What is bold? Pronunciation and usage in English

bold means . Learn how to pronounce and use bold through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bold

boldadjective

/bəʊld//bəʊld/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bold" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few options:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /boʊld/ (rhymes with "bowl")

Let's break that down further:

  • "bo": This sounds like the beginning of the word "boat." It's a short, open "o" sound.
  • "ld": This is the tricky part. The "l" is pronounced as a dark L, not a light L. A dark L is a slightly guttural sound – it feels like you're starting the "l" sound from the back of your throat. It's similar to the "l" in words like "walk" or "salt."

Here’s a more detailed breakdown using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA):

  • /bɔːld/ (British English) - This is the more traditional British pronunciation. The “o” is slightly longer and more rounded.
  • /boʊld/ (American English) - This is the more common pronunciation in the United States.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce bold" into Google, and you’ll see audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/bold/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce bold" on YouTube for video tutorials.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the dark 'l': This is the key difference between "bold" and other words that use the letter "l."
  • Practice slowly: Repeat the pronunciation several times, paying attention to the shape of your mouth and the feeling in your throat.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "bold"?
  • Compare it to another similar-sounding word (e.g., "old")?

Usage and examples with the word bold in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bold" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use them, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Courage or Daring)

  • Meaning: This is probably the most common usage. It describes someone who is brave, confident, and willing to take risks.
  • Examples:
    • "She was a bold explorer who ventured into uncharted territory." (She was courageous.)
    • "He made a bold statement during the press conference." (He was confident and potentially controversial.)
    • "The company took a bold step by launching a completely new product." (They were daring and risked failure.)
    • “He’s got a bold personality.” (He's confident and perhaps a bit outspoken.)

2. As an Adjective (Describing Appearance - Striking or Noticeable)

  • Meaning: This refers to something that stands out because of its color, design, or style. It’s about being striking and eye-catching.
  • Examples:
    • "She wore a bold red dress to the party." (The color is striking.)
    • "The painting used bold colors and strong lines." (The design is noticeable.)
    • "He has a bold haircut." (The haircut is noticeable and distinctive.)
    • “This is a bold design.” (It's striking and different.)

3. As a Verb (To Do Something with Courage or Determination)

  • Meaning: This means to do something in a confident and direct way, often disregarding potential obstacles or risks.
  • Examples:
    • "She boldly confronted the bully." (She did it with courage and determination.)
    • "He boldly declared his love for her." (He was direct and confident.)
    • "The team boldly moved forward with the project despite the challenges." (They took risks and pushed ahead.)
    • "Don't be afraid to boldly pursue your dreams." (Take action with confidence.)

4. As an Adjective (Regarding Fonts – Thick and Dark)

  • Meaning: In typography, "bold" refers to a font style that is thicker and darker than regular text.
  • Example:
    • "Use bold font for the headings." (Specify the font style)

Key Phrases & Common Combinations:

  • Be bold: Encourage someone to be courageous or take a risk. ("Be bold and try something new!")
  • A bold move: A risky or daring action.
  • Boldly state: Express an opinion directly and confidently.
  • Boldly challenge: Face a difficult situation or opponent.

Tips for Using "Bold" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "bold" depends entirely on the context. Pay attention to how it's being used around it.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to add nuance, such as "courageous," "daring," "decisive," “vibrant,” “striking,” or "thick."

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "bold" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, describing something?)

Synonyms for the word bold

Idioms of the word bold

clutch/grasp at straws
to try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely
  • I know I’m just clutching at straws here, but is it possible that the doctors are wrong?

Practice with vocabulary bold

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her decision to challenge the long-standing company policy was a particularly _______ move, but it ultimately led to significant reforms.
  2. The architect's _______ vision for the new public library involved sustainable materials and an innovative open-plan design.
  3. Please ensure that the key terms in the executive summary are presented in _______ font for emphasis.
  4. Due to a technical glitch, some of the critical data points in the report were _______ omitted, requiring a complete re-check.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. To propose such a radical change to the project timeline required a truly _______ approach. a) timid b) hesitant c) bold d) cautious e) audacious

  2. The new advertising campaign featured _______ graphics and a concise, impactful slogan to attract attention. a) subdued b) striking c) vibrant d) pale e) bold

  3. Despite initial skepticism, the CEO made a _______ prediction about the company's future growth, which later proved accurate. a) reserved b) assertive c) prophetic d) tentative e) bold

  4. The team showed immense _______ in continuing their research despite numerous setbacks and funding cuts. a) apathy b) perseverance c) indifference d) resignation e) resolve

  5. Before proceeding, we must ensure that the proposed solution aligns with the core _______ of our organization. a) principals b) principal c) principles d) principal's e) priorities

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She didn't hesitate to voice her strong opinions during the heated debate about the budget allocation. (Rewrite using a form of "bold".)
  2. The graphic designer suggested making the project title stand out more prominently on the report cover. (Rewrite using "bold".)
  3. Taking such a significant risk without careful planning might lead to unforeseen negative consequences. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "significant risk" that is not "bold".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. bold
  2. innovative
  3. bold
  4. inadvertently

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) bold, e) audacious
  2. b) striking, c) vibrant, e) bold
  3. b) assertive, e) bold
  4. b) perseverance, e) resolve
  5. c) principles

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She boldly voiced her strong opinions during the heated debate about the budget allocation.
  2. The graphic designer suggested using a bold font for the project title to make it stand out more prominently on the report cover.
  3. Taking such a reckless step without careful planning might lead to unforeseen negative consequences.

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