Word: intrepid

Associations

The word "intrepid" describes a person or an attitude that is fearless, adventurous, and brave, often in the face of danger or challenges.

• Example 1: "The intrepid explorer traveled through the dense jungle." This shows bravery as the explorer faced the challenges of the jungle.
• Example 2: "She gave an intrepid speech to the crowd, addressing controversial topics with confidence." Here, it highlights courage in speaking on difficult issues.
• Example 3: "The intrepid firefighters entered the burning building to save lives." This emphasizes bravery in a dangerous situation.

A well-known synonym for "intrepid" is "fearless." However, while "fearless" simply means without fear, "intrepid" often suggests a heroic quality and implies a willingness to confront daunting situations.

Substitution

Other words/phrases that can be used instead of "intrepid" include:

• "brave": This is more general and doesn’t always imply adventure.
• "courageous": Focuses more on mental strength rather than adventurous actions.
• "valiant": Often used to describe noble actions, usually in battle or in heroic contexts.

Deconstruction

The word "intrepid" comes from the Latin root "intrepidus," where "in-" means "not" and "trepidus" means "alarmed" or "afraid." So, "intrepid" literally means "not afraid." This historical context shows how the perception of bravery has been valued through language over time.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to be intrepid or brave? What helped you to be that way?
• In what situations do you think being intrepid is most important?
• How can being intrepid affect your personal or professional life?