Audacity vs. Temerity — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Audacity and temerity both indicate boldness, but audacity can imply daring, possibly with a positive connotation, while temerity often suggests recklessness or offensive boldness.
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Difference Between Audacity and Temerity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Audacity can, in some contexts, mirror an innovative or groundbreaking spirit, perhaps in entrepreneurial or creative realms. Temerity, however, scarcely enjoys a positive light, as it typically hints at a boldness that’s disrespectful or prematurely overconfident.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Audacity might be associated with moments where bold actions lead to positive outcomes or breakthroughs. Temerity is likely linked to situations where the boldness is unwarranted, and perhaps results in unfavorable consequences due to its impulsive nature.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
While audacity might be celebrated in stories of success against the odds, temerity might find its narrative embedded in tales of warning against unchecked boldness and impulsive, disrespectful actions that lead to downfall or disfavor.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Audacity generally embodies a spirit of boldness and daring, sometimes even admired or viewed with a certain level of positive astonishment. Temerity, while also suggesting boldness, leans more towards a brash, reckless, or heedless type of courage, often perceived negatively or with disapproval.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
One might admire audacity when it’s exhibited as a brave or unexpected act, possibly marked by ingenuity or cleverness. In contrast, temerity might be viewed critically, as it usually implies a disregard for decorum, respect, or consideration, potentially offending or violating norms.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Contextual Usage
Often admired or surprising.
Frequently linked with disapproval.
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Oct 04, 2023
Association
Sometimes with innovation.
Associated with disrespect/recklessness.
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Oct 04, 2023
Implication of Outcome
May lead to breakthroughs.
Often leads to unfavorable consequences.
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Oct 04, 2023
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Definitions
Audacity
Effrontery or insolence; shameless boldness.
His audacity in making such a claim stunned the audience.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Temerity
Reckless boldness; rashness.
His temerity in handling the dangerous chemicals alarmed his colleagues.
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Audacity
Boldness or daring, especially with confident or arrogant disregard for personal safety, conventional thought, or other restrictions.
Her audacity to confront the leader was unexpected.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Temerity
Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity.
The skateboarder had the temerity to attempt a risky move.
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Oct 04, 2023
Audacity
Fearless daring and boldness.
The scientist had the audacity to pursue an unconventional theory.
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Oct 04, 2023
Temerity
Foolhardy disregard of danger; bravado.
His temerity cost him dearly in the high-stakes poker game.
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Oct 04, 2023
Audacity
A willingness to take bold risks
He whistled at the sheer audacity of the plan
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Temerity
Audacity, with negative connotations.
She had the temerity to lie to the judge.
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Oct 04, 2023
Audacity
Rude or disrespectful behaviour; impudence
She had the audacity to suggest I'd been carrying on with him
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Temerity
Disregard of danger; recklessness.
Her temerity led her into dangerous territories during the investigation.
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Temerity
Temerity is a section of steep, gladed skiing terrain at Aspen Highlands, one of the four mountains owned and operated by the Aspen Skiing Company in Aspen, Colorado. "Boldness, to the point of being foolish," Temerity is designated as double-diamond experts-only terrain.
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Tayyaba Rehman
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Audacity
Bold or insolent heedlessness of restraints, as of those imposed by prudence, propriety, or convention.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
An act or instance of intrepidity or insolent heedlessness
Warned the students that any audacities committed during the graduation ceremony would be punished.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
Insolent boldness, especially when imprudent or unconventional.
The brash private had the audacity to criticize the general.
Somebody never pays his loans, yet he has the audacity to ask the bank for money.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
Fearlessness, intrepidity or daring, especially with confident disregard for personal safety, conventional thought, or other restrictions.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
Daring spirit, resolution, or confidence; venturesomeness.
The freedom and audacity necessary in the commerce of men.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Temerity
Unreasonable contempt of danger; extreme venturesomeness; rashness; as, the temerity of a commander in war.
It is notorious temerity to pass sentence upon grounds uncapable of evidence.
Her rush hand in evil hourForth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
Reckless daring; presumptuous impudence; - implying a contempt of law or moral restraints.
With the most arrogant audacity.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
Aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery;
He had the audacity to question my decision
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Tayyaba Rehman
Feb 19, 2019
Audacity
Bold or arrogant overstepping of bounds.
The intern had the audacity to challenge the CEO’s decision.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Can "audacity" have a positive connotation?
Yes, it can be admired as daring or brave in some contexts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Does "temerity" always imply negativity?
Often, as it usually suggests a recklessness or heedlessness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "temerity" commonly used in everyday conversation?
"Temerity" tends to be less common and more formal than "audacity."
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "temerity" associated with youth?
Not necessarily, though sometimes used to describe youthful recklessness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are "audacity" and "temerity" interchangeable?
While both indicate boldness, "temerity" often conveys reckless boldness, while "audacity" might be seen as daring or shocking boldness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "audacity" used in technology contexts?
Yes, notably "Audacity" is known as audio editing software.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "audacity" suggest courage?
Yes, it may be perceived as a kind of bold courage in some instances.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are "audacity" and "temerity" nouns?
Yes, both words are nouns describing qualities of boldness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "temerity" imply a lack of forethought?
Yes, it can imply acting boldly without considering consequences.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Does "audacity" have historic connotations?
Not especially, though it's used in various historic and modern contexts.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "temerity" denote bravery?
It could, but usually conveys a negative sense of unwarranted boldness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "temerity" ever a virtue?
It’s typically not admired, given its association with recklessness.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can "audacity" be neutral?
It can be, though it often carries either admiration or disapproval.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "audacity" modern slang?
No, but it’s somewhat colloquial and modern compared to "temerity."
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.