Meaning & use
intrepidness
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Meaning
noununcountableformalrare
The quality of being brave and not afraid to face danger or difficulty.
Grammar: Uncountable: no plural, and no 'a' before it. Say 'her intrepidness', not 'an intrepidness'.
Patterns
- the intrepidness of someone
- show intrepidness
- with intrepidness
Her intrepidness in the face of danger impressed everyone on the team.
The explorer's intrepidness was legendary among the local villagers.
He showed great intrepidness when he volunteered to go first.
Common combinations
- show intrepidness
- The young soldier showed intrepidness during the rescue.
- great intrepidness
- She was praised for her great intrepidness.
- with intrepidness
- They approached the unknown cave with intrepidness.
- the intrepidness of someone
- The intrepidness of the climbers inspired many.
Synonyms and how they differ
- courage
- More common and general; courage can also mean the inner strength to face fear, while intrepidness suggests a bold, fearless attitude.
- bravery
- Often used for brave actions; intrepidness describes a lasting quality of character.
- fearlessness
- Emphasizes lack of fear, while intrepidness often implies facing danger with confidence.
Opposites
Word family
- intrepid adjective
- Brave and willing to face danger.
- intrepidly adverb
- In a brave, fearless way.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'intrepidness' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 uses the uncountable noun correctly after 'showed great'. Option 1 uses a noun where an adjective ('intrepid') is needed. Option 2 uses a noun as a verb. Option 3 uses a plural verb with an uncountable noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “intrepidness”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.