What does intrepidity mean?
Intrepidity means courage, fearlessness, or boldness in the face of danger or difficulty. The word is especially associated with actions that require resolve under threatening or uncertain circumstances: confronting danger, undertaking a difficult journey, or standing firm when others might hesitate. It is more formal and literary than the everyday word courage and often has an admiring tone, emphasizing not merely the absence of fear but the quality of character needed to act despite it. Intrepidity can therefore be used for physical courage, as in the intrepidity of an explorer, or for moral courage, as in the intrepidity of a public figure facing criticism. Although less common than courage, bravery, or boldness, it is a useful word when a writer wants to distinguish fearless action from mere casual risk-taking. Its elegant, somewhat elevated register makes it especially effective in historical narrative and biographical writing.
nounCourage or boldness in the face of danger, difficulty, or uncertainty.
- Courage or boldness in the face of danger, difficulty, or uncertainty.
"She met the crisis with calm intrepidity and an unwavering resolve."
"The explorers continued through the storm with remarkable intrepidity."
"Her intrepidity during the negotiations inspired the entire delegation."
The regular plural is rarely used because the noun normally appears in the singular.
"The exhibition celebrates the intrepidities of mountain climbers."
From a Latin word associated with trembling, intrepidity became a polished synonym for showing no fear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intrepidity
The English noun was borrowed in the early 17th century from French intrépidité, which was derived from Latin intrepiditas. Latin intrepidus, the source of the English family, is commonly analyzed as in- meaning “not” combined with trepidus meaning “restless” or “agitated.” The related English words intrepid, trepidation, trepidity, and trepid preserve elements of this Latin family.
How intrepidity is actually used
A formal or literary word, especially common in biography, history, journalism, and accounts of exploration or conflict. It usually carries a strongly approving sense and may suggest determination as well as the absence of fear.
Easily confused with intrepidity
Intrepid is the adjective meaning fearless or bold, whereas intrepidity is the noun naming that quality.