bold - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
bold Word Meanings
- having a strong and vivid appearance
- showing courage or confidence
- a typeface that is darker and thicker
bold Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
bold Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/boʊld/
US
/boʊld/
bold Word Etymology
Bold derives from the Old English 'bald', meaning 'brave' or 'confident', from Proto-Germanic *balðaz. Imagine a knight in shining armor, confidently charging into battle, unafraid of the odds.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I press my palm on the page and push the tip of a pencil a little harder, then I pull the line straight and keep it steady. The mark grows darker as I adjust my grip, a shift from faint to confident. I hold the page up to the light and set the emphasis where I want it, letting the weight of the ink decide how it looks. The boldness arrives as a felt choice, not a rule I follow.
Real Context
Bold describes things that stand out with strength and vividness. You can describe a color, a design, or a statement as bold when it is striking and unapologetic. It also describes people or actions that show courage or confidence, such as taking a bold step in a difficult situation. In typography, bold means a heavier, darker type weight used to emphasize words. The adjective applies in many contexts: a bold color in a poster, a bold claim in an essay, or a bold move in sports or business. Learners often mix bold with brave, or forget that bold can refer to visual emphasis rather than moral courage.
Usage Reminders
- Use bold to add emphasis in text, not to describe every detail.
- Bold can describe colors, logos, or statements that stand out.
- In typography, bold means a heavier weight used to emphasize words.
- Distinguish bold from brave: bold is about appearance or action, brave is about character.
- Don’t overuse bold in formal writing; reserve it for key points.
Common Misconceptions
- Bold means moral bravery in every context.
- Bold is only about people; it can't describe colors or fonts.
- Bold in typography is a color choice, not a font weight.
- A bold move is always reckless.
- Bold and brave are interchangeable in all sentences.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, bold often blends visual emphasis with notions of courage, but the two senses can diverge. Learners tend to equate bold with brave in every context, and occasionally miss that bold in typography is about font weight, not moral character.
Learning Tips
- Notice bold across senses: appearance, courage, typography.
- Distinguish bold from brave in context.
- Use bold for headings and key terms, not entire paragraphs.
- Pair bold with other design elements to support readability.
- Check whether bold is visual emphasis or moral description.
- Practice with sentences that swap bold to non-bold to feel differences.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'bold' mean?
A.Shy
B.Courageous
C.Happy
D.Tired
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'bold' used correctly?
A.She was too scared to speak up during the meeting.
B.He made a bold decision to start his own business.
C.The timid puppy approached the new people cautiously.
D.I feel bold after a long day at work.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'bold'?
A.Fearless
B.Shy
C.Cautious
D.Timid
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'bold'?
A.Courageous
B.Shy
C.Confident
D.Brave
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would being 'bold' be advantageous?
A.Taking risks in business
B.Being overly cautious in a negotiation
C.Avoiding challenges in personal growth
D.Hesitating before making decisions
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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