Words / C2

in-TREP-id/ɪnˈtrepɪd/

Intrepid means very brave, not shrinking from danger or difficulty: intrepid traveller, intrepid reporter. Brave is everyday; fearless is close. Trepidation (already in the dictionary) is fear — the same Latin root. The word is sometimes slightly ironic in UK use. Do not call a press officer intrepid for sending a draft without legal.

Meaning

Very brave; not afraid of danger or difficulty (sometimes slightly ironic).

Examples

• “An intrepid press officer still needs a lawyer on the embargo.”
• “Brave is everyday. Indomitable is unconquerable (this batch). Trepidation is anxiety (already in C2). Irony: “our intrepid intern” can be fond or mocking. Courage without a protocol is still a leak risk.”

Good to know

Fearless (sometimes wry). Everyday: brave / fearless. Root cousin: trepidation (fear). Contrast: indomitable (cannot be beaten). Dash ≠ a clearance.

Near in meaning

brave

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