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

Demi Moore is boldly exposed as an aging Oscar winner rejected by her producer in a hyperstylized satire that also stars Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

When John Roberts declared that the president must be able to act “boldly and fearlessly” without fear of breaking the law, is this what he envisioned?

From Slate

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

From Los Angeles Times

Ange Postecoglou boldly invited pressure on himself and Tottenham with his recent boast that he "always" wins a trophy in his second season in charge.

From BBC

Related Words

• brazenly
• courageously
• daringly
• eagerly
• fearlessly