B2 noun Neutral

brazenly

/ˈbreɪ.zən.li/

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 5
1

He 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.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
brazenness
Verb
brazen
Adverb
brazenly
Adjective
brazen
Related
brass
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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

1

He brazenly walked out of the shop without paying for the items in his basket.

everyday

He shamelessly walked out of the shop without paying for the items in his basket.

2

The official was accused of brazenly ignoring the established legal protocols during the investigation.

formal

The official was accused of shamelessly ignoring the established legal protocols during the investigation.

3

She brazenly asked her ex-boyfriend to help her move into her new apartment.

informal

She shamelessly asked her ex-boyfriend to help her move into her new apartment.

4

Critics argue that the researchers brazenly manipulated the data to support their predetermined conclusions.

academic

Critics argue that the researchers shamelessly manipulated the data to support their predetermined conclusions.

5

The company brazenly copied their competitor's patented technology and marketed it as their own invention.

business

The company shamelessly copied their competitor's patented technology and marketed it as their own invention.

Word Family

Noun
brazenness
Verb
brazen
Adverb
brazenly
Adjective
brazen
Related
brass

Common Collocations

brazenly ignore to shamelessly ignore
brazenly lie to shamelessly lie
brazenly disregard to shamelessly disregard
brazenly admit to boldly admit
brazenly steal to shamelessly steal

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

brazenly vs brashly

Brashly implies acting with hasty overconfidence or a lack of tact, while brazenly implies acting without shame or guilt regarding one's actions.

brazenly vs barely

Barely means 'hardly' or 'scarcely', whereas brazenly describes the shameless quality of an action.

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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

Used as an adverb to modify verbs (e.g., brazenly lied) Can appear before the verb or at the end of a clause for emphasis Often follows auxiliary verbs
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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

Related Words

abmultant

C1

To diversify or branch out extensively from a single origin into multiple complex channels, forms, or applications. It describes the process of systemic expansion where a core entity multiplies its variety or reach.

microdoccide

C1

A specialized chemical substance or agent used to destroy or inhibit the growth of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. It is primarily utilized in industrial, medical, and laboratory settings to ensure sterilization and prevent contamination.

circumminty

C1

The specific micro-atmosphere or olfactory 'halo' of coolness and freshness that surrounds an aromatic source, particularly mint plants or mentholated substances. It describes the spatial reach of a refreshing scent within a localized environment.

micromortious

C1

To calculate or estimate the minute probability of death associated with a specific action, typically measured in units representing a one-in-a-million chance. This verb is used to statistically assess the inherent danger of activities by quantifying potential mortality risks.

underpeline

C1

To provide a strong foundational support or to reinforce the underlying structure of an argument, theory, or physical entity. It describes the act of strengthening the core elements that hold a complex system or idea together to ensure stability.

misdictious

C1

To communicate or record verbal information inaccurately, specifically by confusing similar-sounding words or misinterpreting dictated instructions. It is primarily used in technical or test-based contexts to describe a failure in precise verbal transmission.

proscriber

C1

To officially forbid or prohibit something by law, decree, or social authority. It can also refer to the act of denouncing or condemning a person or group as harmful or dangerous.

triprehendful

C1

A triprehendful refers to a specific quantity of complex information or a situation that requires three distinct perspectives or levels of analysis to be fully grasped. It describes an amount of data or conceptual difficulty that is multifaceted and cannot be simplified into a binary explanation.

adcedency

C1

Adcedency refers to the state of rising to or holding a position of dominant power, influence, or governing authority. It describes the condition of being in control or having a superior status over others in a specific hierarchy or field.

postdynery

C1

To engage in the practice of lingering at a table after a meal has concluded to enjoy conversation and social bonding. This verb describes the transition from the physical act of eating to the intellectual or social act of communal reflection.

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