Spanish word

audacia

Pronunciation

IPA/awˈðaθja/

Meaning

  • feminine nounboldness

Example

Me sorprendió la audacia de su propuesta.

I was surprised by the boldness of his proposal.

Illustration for audacia (boldness)

More examples

Su audacia le abrió nuevas oportunidades.

Their boldness opened up new opportunities.

Core concept

A speaker proposing a risky plan to a room of skeptical listeners.

Common phrases

  • tener audacia

    have boldness

  • actuar con audacia

    act boldly

  • con audacia

    with boldness

Similar words

osadía: Exhibits bold, forward behavior that ignores restraint.
atrevimiento: Executes daring acts or remarks without hesitation.
valor: Faces threats with courageous resolve and steady nerve.
temeridad: Rushes into danger heedlessly, ignoring likely negative results.

Definition in Spanish

Cualidad de quien toma iniciativas arriesgadas con seguridad y resolución, apreciable como coraje o criticable como falta de respeto según el juicio del oyente.

Word origin

From Latin audacia, ultimately from audēre 'to dare' and the adjective audax 'bold', giving a noun for bold initiative.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English audacity, which often carries a negative edge, audacia in Spanish can be neutral or positive and frequently highlights daring initiative rather than only rudeness.

Other meanings

  • impudencenoun

Opposites

  • timideztimiditynoun
  • cautelacautionnoun

Related words

  • audaciosoaudaciousadjective
  • audaciosamenteaudaciouslyadverb

Word lists with this word