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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Temerity

noun / tuh-MER-i-tee / Hard
Meaning

Excessive confidence or boldness in taking risks; audacity that borders on recklessness, often in defiance of convention or authority

Origin / Etymology

Latin temeritas — from temere meaning 'rashly, blindly'; denoted rash or ill-considered daring as opposed to calculated courage

Synonyms
Audacity Rashness Impudence Effrontery Boldness
Antonyms
Timidity Caution Prudence Circumspection
Example Sentence
"The whistleblower had the temerity to file a complaint against the Secretary-level officer, despite knowing the personal consequences it would invite."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS-4 (ethics) and Essay answers to describe individuals who challenge authority in pursuit of public interest — whistleblowers, RTI activists, or reform-minded bureaucrats. Useful to contrast with institutional caution: 'While the system rewarded compliance, it took temerity to expose the fraud.' Also fits GS-2 answers on civil society and democratic accountability.

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