DictionaryAI

bold

SayBOHLD/boʊld/UK/ˈbəʊld/

Verbbolds, bolding, bolded

11 meanings of bold

Practice

  1. 1
    braveadjective
    Willing to take risks and face danger without being afraid.

    Like jumping into cold water without testing it first.

    She made a bold choice to start her own business.

    It was bold of him to speak up in front of the whole class.

    UsageSay it was bold of you to do that.

    Similardaring, brave, courageous, audacious, fearless

    Oppositeconservative, reluctant, cautious

    Note
  2. 2
    eye-catchingadjective
    Strong and easy to see because of bright color or a clear shape.

    Like a bright sign you can spot from far away.

    The poster used bold colors to grab attention.

    She painted the wall a bold shade of red.

    Similarstriking, vivid, eye-catching, strong, bright

    Oppositesubtle, muted, understated

  3. 3
    thick printadjective
    Printed with thicker, darker letters so the words stand out.

    Like using a thick marker instead of a thin pencil so the words are easier to see.

    Make the title bold so readers notice it first.

    The warning appears in bold letters at the top of the page.

    UsageYou can say words are in bold.

    Oppositeregular, light

    Note
  4. 4
    strong tasteadjective
    Having a strong, rich taste that fills your mouth.

    Like a strong cup of coffee next to a weak cup of tea.

    This red wine has a bold flavor that lingers.

    I like coffee with a bold taste first thing in the morning.

    UsageUsed for strong tastes, like bold coffee.

    Similarfull-bodied, robust, rich, strong

    Oppositelight, mild, delicate

    Note
  5. 5
    adjective
    Rude and too confident in a way that shows no respect.

    Like a stranger who walks into your house without knocking.

    It was bold of the new kid to talk back to the teacher.

    Don't be so bold with people you have only just met.

    UsageIt can be praise or criticism. Add rude if you mean criticism.

    Similarforward, brazen, impudent, presumptuous, cheeky

    Oppositeshy, timid, meek

    Note
  6. 6
    make text thickverbcolloquialtransitive
    To make text thicker and darker so it stands out.

    Like pressing harder with a pen to make the letters darker.

    Bold the title so it stands out from the rest.

    I always bold important words in my notes.

    Similarembolden, boldface

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of bold apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origins

Meanings 1–5, 7–9

From Old English bald, beald meaning "bold" or "brave," from older Germanic roots.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

Meanings 6, 10

From Old English baldian, a verb formed from the same root as the adjective "bold."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

Meaning 11

A different word from Old English bold meaning "house" or "dwelling," related to "build."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts