Word
boldly
Phoneticsbold·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈboʊɫdɫi/
UK/bˈəʊldli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“She boldly stepped onto the stage to speak.”
“The young entrepreneur boldly invested all her savings into the new technology, despite the market's uncertainty.”
“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.”
Examples
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.
Real-World Examples
“The Cambridge University graduate boldly stated her intention to take all four sprint titles this week in her bid to be "iconic".” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/boldly