Words / C2

t-uh-MER-uh-tee/təˈmerəti/

Temerity is foolish or shocking boldness, often ironic: have the temerity to argue, the temerity to ask. Cheek and nerve are everyday British; audacity is a close cousin (can be admiring); rashness is less ironic. Formal, frequently sarcastic: the speaker is offended that you dared. In speech, the nerve to is enough. Temerity is the daring judged as impudent, not courage praised. Do not use it as a compliment for bravery.

Meaning

Foolish or shocking boldness (often ironic: have the temerity to).

Examples

• “He had the temerity to argue with the examiner.”
• “He had the temerity to argue with the examiner — and, as it happened, he was right.”
• “She had the temerity to invoice for the extra weekend; the tone of “temerity” was the board’s, not a fact.”

Good to know

have the temerity to + infinitive. Shocking boldness, often ironic. Everyday: nerve / cheek. Close: audacity. Usually a sneer, not praise for courage.

Near in meaning

audacity

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