First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
audacity
noun au·dac·i·ty \ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē\
: a confident and daring quality that is often seen as shocking or rude : an audacious quality
plural au·dac·i·ties
Full Definition of AUDACITY
1
: the quality or state of being audacious: as a : intrepid boldness b : bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints <had the audacity to defy his boss>
2
: an audacious act —usually used in plural <her worst audacities did not seem to surprise him — Edith Wharton>
See audacity defined for English-language learners
See audacity defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of AUDACITY
Middle English audacite, from Latin audac-, audax
Related to AUDACITY
- Synonyms
- audaciousness, effrontery, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), crust, face, gall, nerve, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, temerity
Synonym Discussion of AUDACITY
temerity, audacity, hardihood, effrontery, nerve, cheek, gall, chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger <had the temerity to refuse>. audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence <an entrepreneur with audacity and vision>. hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance <admired for her hardihood>. effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy <outraged at his effrontery>. nerve, cheek, gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery <the nerve of that guy> <has the cheek to call herself a singer> <had the gall to demand proof> <the chutzpah needed for a career in show business>.
AUDACITY Defined for Kids
audacity
noun au·dac·i·ty \ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē\
Definition of AUDACITY for Kids
: a bold and daring quality that is sometimes shocking or rude <She had the audacity to show up uninvited.>
Learn More About AUDACITY
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up audacity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).