Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Temerity
Te-mer′i-ty
,Noun.
[L.
temeritas
, from temere
by chance, rashly; perhaps akin to Skr. tamas
darkness: cf. F. témérité
.] Unreasonable contempt of danger; extreme venturesomeness; rashness;
as, the
. temerity
of a commander in war
Syn. – Rashness; precipitancy; heedlessness; venturesomeness.
–
Temerity
, Rashness
. These words are closely allied in sense, but have a slight difference in their use and application. Temerity is Latin, and rashness is Anglo-Saxon. As in many such cases, the Latin term is more select and dignified; the Anglo-Saxon more familiar and energetic. We show temerity in hasty decisions, and the conduct to which they lead. We show rashness in particular actions, as dictated by sudden impulse. It is an exhibition of temerity to approach the verge of a precipice; it is an act of rashness to jump into a river without being able to swim. Temerity, then, is an unreasonable contempt of danger; rashness is a rushing into danger from thoughtlessness or excited feeling. It is notorious
temerity
to pass sentence upon grounds uncapable of evidence. Barrow.
Her
Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat.
rush
hand in evil hourForth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat.
Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Temerity
TEMER'ITY
,Noun.
1.
Rashness; unreasonable contempt of danger; as the temerity of a commander in war.2.
Extreme boldness. The figures are bold even to temerity.