temerity

/tɛˈmɛɹəti/

Group 30Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(noun)
Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity
GRE

Example in Context

The junior associate had the temerity to challenge the senior partner's analysis in front of the client, a move that proved either courageous or career-ending.

Synonyms

nerveaudacityboldness

Etymology

Risky boldness leading to audacity.

  • temere (Latin) — to risk

Memory Aid

🐅Sounds like “tame-rare-ity

Picture a TAMED tiger with RARE audacity, daring everyone to pet it!

Visual Association

💥A daredevil jumping out of a plane wearing a cape, yelling, 'I can do this!' as others gasp in shock.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “temerity” mean on the GRE?

temerity (noun) means “Excessive confidence or boldness; audacity”. The junior associate had the temerity to challenge the senior partner's analysis in front of the client, a move that proved either courageous or career-ending.

How to remember “temerity” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “temerity” sounds like “tame-rare-ity”. Picture a TAMED tiger with RARE audacity, daring everyone to pet it!

What are synonyms for “temerity”?

Common synonyms: nerve, audacity, boldness.