boldly
To perform an action in a brave, confident, or daring manner, often showing a lack of fear or hesitation. It describes behavior that is noticeable, striking, and assertive, frequently involving a willingness to take risks or challenge conventions.
Examples
3 of 5She boldly asked for a seat at the crowded table, surprising everyone with her confidence.
She confidently asked for a seat at the crowded table, surprising everyone with her confidence.
The committee boldly proposed a complete restructuring of the department to improve efficiency.
The committee courageously proposed a complete restructuring of the department to improve efficiency.
He boldly went up to the celebrity and asked for a selfie during dinner.
He gutsily went up to the celebrity and asked for a selfie during dinner.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'B' (Bold) button in text editors; it makes text stand out and look strong, just as acting boldly makes a person stand out.
Quick Quiz
The young entrepreneur ____ approached the investors with his unconventional idea.
Correct!
The correct answer is: boldly
Examples
She boldly asked for a seat at the crowded table, surprising everyone with her confidence.
everydayShe confidently asked for a seat at the crowded table, surprising everyone with her confidence.
The committee boldly proposed a complete restructuring of the department to improve efficiency.
formalThe committee courageously proposed a complete restructuring of the department to improve efficiency.
He boldly went up to the celebrity and asked for a selfie during dinner.
informalHe gutsily went up to the celebrity and asked for a selfie during dinner.
The researcher boldly challenges the established theories of quantum physics in her latest paper.
academicThe researcher fearlessly challenges the established theories of quantum physics in her latest paper.
Our company must move boldly into the international market to survive the upcoming fiscal year.
businessOur company must decisively enter the international market to survive the upcoming fiscal year.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
to go boldly where no one has gone before
to explore new and unknown territories (popularized by Star Trek)
boldly stated
expressed in a clear and strong way
boldly colored
having very bright or striking colors
Often Confused With
Boldly means bravely/confidently, whereas baldly means plainly, bluntly, or without disguise/hair.
Usage Notes
Boldly is primarily used to modify verbs that involve communication or action. It suggests that the person acting is aware of the potential risks but chooses to proceed with high confidence anyway.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use the adjective 'bold' when an adverb is required (e.g., 'He spoke bold' instead of 'He spoke boldly'). Also, be careful not to confuse it with 'baldly' in written reports.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'B' (Bold) button in text editors; it makes text stand out and look strong, just as acting boldly makes a person stand out.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'beald', which means brave, confident, or strong.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western business environments, acting boldly is viewed as a positive leadership trait associated with innovation and growth.
Quick Quiz
The young entrepreneur ____ approached the investors with his unconventional idea.
Correct!
The correct answer is: boldly
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free