ENGLISH
REFERENCE

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.

Origin

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

Usage

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

Idioms1 entry

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