WordGarden.ioembolden
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛmbˈəʊldən/
US
- /ɛmˈboʊldən/
Meanings
Verb
to make someone feel more confident or courageous
to make text or a visual element appear bolder
Beyond the definition
To embolden someone is like giving them a little push of bravery. It's more than just encouragement; it's filling them with confidence to do something they might otherwise hesitate to do. A supportive friend might embolden you to try out for the school play, or a successful first step could embolden an entrepreneur to take bigger risks with their business. Think of it as lighting a fire within someone—giving them the strength and courage to act. Sometimes even injustice can embolden people to fight for what's right!
The word "embolden" means to give someone the confidence or courage to do something, especially something that might be difficult or risky. It's about inspiring bravery, not just offering simple encouragement. While encouragement is often a gentle nudge, to embolden is to fill someone with a sense of power and determination.
Historically, "embolden" is formed by combining the prefix "em-" (meaning to make or put into) with the root word "bold." This hints at its core meaning: strengthening someone's resolve and making them feel more daring. You might say that witnessing an act of kindness emboldened you to volunteer your time, or that receiving positive feedback emboldened a shy artist to share their work with the world.
It's often used in contexts where there is some level of fear or hesitation involved. For example, the sentence "The victory emboldened the rebels to continue fighting" suggests they were previously afraid but now feel empowered by their success. Or, "His unwavering support emboldened her to speak out against injustice."
However, it's important to note that something can unintentionally embolden someone—even a negative action! For example, "The lack of consequences emboldened him to repeat the offense." In this case, it means his actions weren't met with resistance, so he felt free to continue his behavior. So, whether it's through support, success, or a surprising lack of opposition, to embolden is to ignite courage and inspire action—strengthening someone's spirit to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.
Examples
- 1
Classroom confidence
Her teacher's encouragement emboldened her to ask more questions in class.
- Patternembolden + person + to do X
make them confident enough to do it
- 2
Sports momentum
The team's early goal emboldened them, and they started attacking more aggressively.
- 3
Public speaking
Feeling emboldened by the applause, he shared a more personal story.
- Patternemboldened by + cause
made more confident by it
- 4
Crime context
The light sentence may embolden others to commit the same crime.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business expansion
Success in one small market emboldened the company to expand overseas.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- embolden someone to do something
- feel emboldened
- emboldened by success
- embolden critics
Word family
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Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- emboldenverb
Forms
- emboldenedpast tenseverb
- emboldensverb
- emboldening-ing formverb