boldly

[ bohld-lee ]

adverb

1. without hesitation or fear in the face of risk or danger; courageously:

   To those who so boldly fought and died for our freedom, I apologize that so many have thrown it away.

2. without worrying about the opinion or judgment of others:

   He uttered his prayer loudly, boldly, not caring if the others overheard.

3. without regard for the rules of propriety or morality; impudently or brazenly:

   The chutzpah it takes to lie so boldly is epic!

4. in a way that goes beyond usual limits of conventional thought or action; in a visionary or imaginative way:

   The new concert hall demonstrates that an intimate musical experience and boldly innovative architecture need not be in conflict.

5. in a way that is visually striking or arresting; in a showy or flashy way:

   The boldly striped entrance hall makes a dramatic opening statement in this home.

   The male is an attractive and boldly marked bird, while the female is comparatively drab.

Other Words From

• o·ver·bold·ly adverb
• su·per·bold·ly adverb
• un·bold·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of boldly¹

bold ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Mr Salehi, 34, boldly criticised Iran’s leaders in his music and was already banned from performing at concerts prior to his arrest.

From BBC

If anything, he boldly foreshadows the darkness just on the horizon, shooting his drama austerely, the weight of inevitable doom hanging over everything.

From Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, Elphaba begins to dance, executing every move as a woman boldly and unashamedly herself, even if it means remaining as lonely as ever.

From Los Angeles Times

They boldly affirmed their identity as Americans in a society that did not view them as equal citizens.

From Salon

I mean, I didn’t say it quite that boldly.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brazenly
• courageously
• daringly
• eagerly
• fearlessly