English Reference
Adverb

boldly

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈboʊɫdɫi/ UK /bˈəʊldli/ bold·ly

adv.in a way that shows you are brave and not afraid to take risks. You use this when someone does something with confidence, even if it might be dangerous or difficult.

adv.in a confident and courageous manner, showing a willingness to take risks. Typically modifies verbs of action or communication to indicate a lack of hesitation or fear.


SIMPLE

She boldly stepped onto the stage to speak.

CONTEXTUAL

The young entrepreneur boldly invested all her savings into the new technology, despite the market's uncertainty.

COMPLEX

The architect boldly challenged traditional design principles by incorporating industrial materials into a residential space, creating a structure that was both functional and visually striking.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object; can be placed at the start of a sentence for rhetorical emphasis.

The Cambridge University graduate boldly stated her intention to take all four sprint titles this week in her bid to be "iconic".

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

From Middle English boldely, boldeliche, baldeliche, from Old English bealdlīċe (“boldly, earnestly”), equivalent to bold + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old English bealdlīċe
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated