bold words

Meanings

1. 1phraseplural

   Words printed in a thicker, darker style to make them stand out from the rest of the text.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun phrase; you can say 'in bold words' or 'in bold' when talking about text.

   Patterns

   • in bold words
   • write something in bold words
   • set something in bold words

   The teacher put the key dates in bold words so we would not miss them.

   Headings are usually written in bold words to separate them from the body text.

   I marked the new vocabulary in bold words before printing the handout.

2. 2phrasepluralfigurative

   Strong, confident language that shows you mean what you say, often when it is risky to do so.

   Grammar: Figurative use; it describes speech or writing, not the letters themselves, and often follows verbs like 'use' or 'speak'.

   Patterns

   • use bold words
   • speak bold words
   • say something in bold words

   She used bold words in the meeting and told the manager the plan would fail.

   It takes courage to write bold words when everyone else agrees with the boss.

   His bold words about reform surprised even his own party.

Common combinations

in bold words

The warning was printed in bold words across the top of the page.

bold words and italics

The style guide explains when to use bold words and italics.

mark something in bold words

Mark the answers in bold words so they are easy to find.

use bold words

He used bold words, but his voice was shaking.

put something in bold

Put the title in bold rather than underlining it.

Synonyms and how they differ

boldface

A technical printing term for the same thick type; it fits better in design or publishing talk than in general writing.

bold type

Nearly the same as 'bold words' but refers to the style of the letters rather than the words chosen.

emphatic language

Refers only to the figurative sense of strong speech, and sounds more formal than 'bold words'.

Word family

bold adjective

Printed thickly and darkly, or brave and confident.

boldly adverb

In a brave, confident or noticeable way.

boldness noun

The quality of being brave or of standing out clearly.

embolden verb

To make someone feel braver or more confident.

Commonly confused: bold words or bald words?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “bold words”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words