German word

gewagt

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈvaːkt/

Meaning

  • adjectivebold

Example

Sie machte einen gewagten Schritt.

She took a bold step.

Illustration for gewagt (bold)

More examples

Der Plan war zu gewagt und scheiterte.

The plan was too bold and failed.

Core concept

An unconventional choice made despite the chance that its daring quality will bring disadvantages.

Common phrases

  • ein gewagtes Spiel

    a risky game

  • eine gewagte Entscheidung

    a bold decision

  • ein gewagtes Unternehmen

    a bold venture

Similar words

mutig: Showing courage by acting without giving in to fear or uncertainty.
wagemutig: Boldly accepting danger in order to take action.
riskant: Involving a high possibility of failure, harm, or loss.
provokativ: Designed to stimulate reactions, criticism, or attention.

Definition in German

kühn und riskant; kennzeichnet Pläne, Stile oder Entscheidungen, die ungewöhnlich sind und Nachteile mit sich bringen können.

Word origin

Gewagt comes from the German verb wagen, whose core meaning is to dare or risk, and functions as its past-participle adjective.

Usage tips

  • For clothing, language, or artistic style, gewagt can suggest provocative or unconventional as well as daring, depending on context.

Other meanings

  • daringadjective
  • adventurousadjective

Opposites

  • umsichtigprudentadjective
  • vorsichtigcautiousadjective

Related words

  • wagemutigdaringadjective
  • Wagnisrisknoun

Word lists with this word