Boldness

Boldness is the opposite of fearfulness. To be bold implies a willingness to get things done despite risks.^[1]

For example, in the context of sociability, a bold person may be willing to risk shame or rejection in social situations, or to bend rules of etiquette or politeness. An excessively bold person could aggressively ask for money, or persistently push someone to fulfill a request.

The word "bold" may also be used as a synonym of "impudent": for example, a child may be punished for being "bold" by acting disrespectfully toward an adult or by misbehaving.

Boldness may be contrasted with courageousness in that the latter implies having fear but confronting it. An example of personified boldness may be found in the Greco-Roman mythological character Philemon.^[2]

See also

• Chutzpah
• Courage
• Disinhibition
• Shyness
• Sisu

References

1. St. Thomas Aquinas, Richard J. Regan The Cardinal Virtues - 2005 Page 116 "Is boldness a sin? Boldness is an emotion. But emotion sometimes is moderated by reason and sometimes lacks the measure of reason, whether by excess or deficiency, and emotion is sinful in this respect. "
2. "Baucis and Philemon - Myth Encyclopedia - mythology, Greek, people". Mythencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2013-08-25.