French Conversation · Level 109
60 words
French word
témérité
Pronunciation
IPA/temeʁite/
Meaning
- feminine nounrecklessness
Example
Sa témérité l'a mis en danger.
His recklessness put him in danger.
More examples
Il a payé cher sa témérité.
He paid dearly for his recklessness.
Core concept
A reckless leap into danger with no brake for the consequences.
Common phrases
faire preuve de témérité
demonstrate recklessness
agir avec témérité
act recklessly
par excès de témérité
because of excessive recklessness
Similar words
imprudence: Careless conduct that fails to consider risks and may cause harm.
audace: Courageous boldness that acts without hesitation.
Definition in French
Disposition à agir sans tenir compte du danger ni des conséquences, par imprudence.
Word origin
French témérité comes from Latin temeritas, formed from temere, meaning recklessly or thoughtlessly, with the suffix -itas for an abstract quality.
Usage tips
- Témérité is usually critical, unlike audace, which can describe boldness positively as well as negatively.