Words / C2

br-uh-VAHD-oh/brəˈvɑːdəʊ/

Bravado is a display of boldness meant to impress or to hide fear: a show of bravado, full of bravado. Brave (already in the dictionary) is the real quality; bluster (this batch) is loud empty talk. Overweening (already in the dictionary) is excessive pride; boast (already in the dictionary) is of one’s merits. Do not license unpublished exam times as agility.

Meaning

A show of boldness intended to impress or hide fear.

Examples

• “Bravado about “agile delivery” does not license unpublished exam times.”
• “Brave is the real quality (already in A2). Bluster is empty noise (this batch). Overweening is excessive pride (already in C2). A dated amendment, notified in writing, is a change. Silence the night before is a broken undertaking. Keep the clock you printed; then argue the diary.”

Good to know

A show of boldness. Everyday: swagger. Close: bluster (this batch). Contrast: brave (the real quality — already in A2); overweening (excessive pride — already in C2). Agile ≠ an unpublished start time.

Near in meaning

bluster, swagger, boldness, show

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