Temerity

Inflected Form(s):

plural te·mer·i·ties

Etymology:

Middle English temeryte, from Latin temeritas, from temere blindly, recklessly; akin to Old High German demar darkness, Latin tenebrae, Sanskrit tamas

Date:15th century

1 : unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition : rashness recklessness 2 : an act or instance of temerity

synonyms temerity audacity hardihood effrontery nerve cheek gall chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger temerity to refuse>. audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence audacity and vision>. hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance hardihood>. effronteryeffrontery>. nerve cheek gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery nerve of that guy>cheek to call herself a singer> gall to demand proof> chutzpah needed for a career in show business>. implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy.from Merriam-Webster's