brazenly
To perform an action in a bold and shameless way, without any attempt to hide it. It usually describes behavior that ignores social norms, rules, or the feelings of others in a defiant manner.
Examples
3 of 5He brazenly walked out of the shop without paying for the items in his basket.
He shamelessly walked out of the shop without paying for the items in his basket.
The official was accused of brazenly ignoring the established legal protocols during the investigation.
The official was accused of shamelessly ignoring the established legal protocols during the investigation.
She brazenly asked her ex-boyfriend to help her move into her new apartment.
She shamelessly asked her ex-boyfriend to help her move into her new apartment.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'brass' (brazen) instrument. It is loud, bold, and impossible to ignore, much like someone behaving brazenly.
Quick Quiz
The suspect ______ admitted to the crime during the live television interview, showing no remorse.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brazenly
Examples
He brazenly walked out of the shop without paying for the items in his basket.
everydayHe shamelessly walked out of the shop without paying for the items in his basket.
The official was accused of brazenly ignoring the established legal protocols during the investigation.
formalThe official was accused of shamelessly ignoring the established legal protocols during the investigation.
She brazenly asked her ex-boyfriend to help her move into her new apartment.
informalShe shamelessly asked her ex-boyfriend to help her move into her new apartment.
Critics argue that the researchers brazenly manipulated the data to support their predetermined conclusions.
academicCritics argue that the researchers shamelessly manipulated the data to support their predetermined conclusions.
The company brazenly copied their competitor's patented technology and marketed it as their own invention.
businessThe company shamelessly copied their competitor's patented technology and marketed it as their own invention.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
brazen it out
to act as if one is not ashamed or guilty when caught doing something wrong
brazenly indifferent
showing a total and shameless lack of concern
act brazenly
to behave in a bold and disrespectful manner
Often Confused With
Brashly implies acting with hasty overconfidence or a lack of tact, while brazenly implies acting without shame or guilt regarding one's actions.
Barely means 'hardly' or 'scarcely', whereas brazenly describes the shameless quality of an action.
Usage Notes
Brazenly is almost always used with a negative connotation, describing someone who is doing something clearly wrong or controversial but makes no effort to hide it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adjective 'brazen' when an adverb is required to modify an action, or they confuse it with 'boldly', which can be positive.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'brass' (brazen) instrument. It is loud, bold, and impossible to ignore, much like someone behaving brazenly.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'brasen' (made of brass), suggesting a hard, polished, and unyielding surface—like a 'face of brass' that shows no shame.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, acting brazenly is seen as a sign of poor character or a lack of respect for social hierarchies and legal systems.
Quick Quiz
The suspect ______ admitted to the crime during the live television interview, showing no remorse.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brazenly
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