Temerity

tuh-MAIR-ih-tee

Definition

(noun) Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.

Example

He had the temerity to challenge the judge in open court.

Fun Fact

Temerity is a literary favorite for describing fools who rush in—characters whose bravery veers into absurd risk. It’s often seen in war stories, courtroom dramas, or political speeches to call out rash behavior disguised as courage. Shakespeare and Dickens both used it to describe characters blinded by pride or ego.

 

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