Intrepid
/ɪnˈtrɛpɪd/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Intrepid describes someone who shows great courage and is not afraid to face danger or challenges. It is often used to talk about people who act boldly, even in risky or difficult situations.
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See It in Action
Showing bravery and courage in dangerous or difficult situations
- •The intrepid firefighter entered the burning building to save the family.
- •Intrepid travelers explore remote and wild places without hesitation.
- •She showed an intrepid spirit when she spoke out against injustice.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "intrepid" like "brave" (A2 word), but stronger and with more confidence to face big dangers without fear.
- ✓Picture a person walking into a dark cave alone, not scared at all.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you try something new and hard, like climbing a tall mountain, even if it is scary.
- ✓Sounds like "in-TRIP-id" → imagine someone on a trip who is not afraid of any problem or danger on the way.
- ✓Think of explorers like Indiana Jones or astronauts who go to unknown places with courage.
- ✓NOT like "careful" (avoids danger), intrepid means facing danger directly.
- ✓NOT like "reckless" (not thinking about danger), intrepid means brave but smart.
- ✓NOT like "fearless" (no fear at all), intrepid means strong courage even if there is some fear.
Try Other Words
- •Fearless: without fear (Use when you want to say someone has no fear at all, but intrepid includes courage even with some fear)
- •Courageous: having courage (Use for general bravery, similar to intrepid but less formal)
- •Bold: confident and willing to take risks (Use when focusing on confidence and risk-taking)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (not) + root "trepid" (from Latin "trepidus" meaning afraid or trembling)
- •Etymology: From Latin "intrepidus," meaning not afraid or undaunted
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s, used to describe fearless or brave people
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who act bravely in difficult or dangerous situations, often in stories or news
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of situations need an intrepid attitude, and how can you prepare to be intrepid?
•Can being intrepid sometimes be risky? How do you balance bravery and safety?
Fill in the blanks
1.The intrepid explorer ___ into the jungle despite warnings about wild animals.
2.She showed an intrepid attitude when she ___ to speak in front of a large crowd.
3.Unlike careful people, intrepid individuals face challenges ___ and without hesitation.
4.The team’s success was due to their intrepid ___ to try new and difficult ideas.
5.Intrepid adventurers often ___ dangers that others avoid.
6.When feeling afraid, an intrepid person still ___ forward to reach their goal.
7.The word "intrepid" often describes someone who is both brave and ___ in difficult situations.