temerity

[ tuh-mer-i-tee ]

noun

1. reckless boldness; rashness.

   Synonyms: foolhardy, effrontery, audacity

temerity

/ ˌtɛməˈrɛərɪəs; tɪˈmɛrɪtɪ /

noun

1. rashness or boldness

Derived Forms

• temerarious, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temerity¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English temeryte, from Latin temeritās “hap, chance, rashness,” equivalent to temer(e) “by chance, rashly” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of temerity¹

C15: from Latin temeritās accident, from temere at random

Example Sentences

Before the moment has passed, the once-admirable warrior we were emotionally trained to root for has actually taken a shot near the kid, and shortly thereafter assaults Vi with the butt of her gun when the latter has the temerity to challenge her.

From Salon

If you are going to have the temerity to put women in cages for our entertainment, you’d better figure out a way to let them out.

From Los Angeles Times

Anti-abortion extremists, the Republican justices included, will not be satisfied until they have control over every aspect of reproductive decisionmaking nationwide without women having the temerity to question their superior judgment.

From Slate

Either way, a scene from its Broadway performance is still making the rounds featuring Jones' Troy dressing down his son Cory – played by Courtney B. Vance, another incredible talent – for having the temerity to ask his father why he never liked him.

From Salon

He was still seething when the week ended, when Martha MacCallum of Fox News had the temerity to note that Harris was “having some success” at attracting young and minority voters.

From Los Angeles Times