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.
Relevant Subjects
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