emboldened
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪmˈboʊldənd/
KK: /ɪmˈboʊldənd/
adjective
Definition
Made more confident or courageous, often as a result of encouragement or support.
Example
After receiving praise from her teacher, she felt emboldened to share her ideas in class.
Conversation
I felt really emboldened to speak up during the meeting.
That’s great! Sometimes it’s hard to find the courage to voice your opinion.
Yeah, I think my confidence has really grown lately.
It shows! Keep it up, and you'll inspire others too.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bold
courageous
confident
Antonyms
timid
fearful
meek
verb
Definition
To make someone feel more confident or courageous.
Example
The support from her friends emboldened her to speak up in the meeting.
Tense Forms
Past: emboldened
Past Participle: emboldened
Conversation
I really felt emboldened to speak up in the meeting yesterday.
That's awesome! What made you feel that way?
I guess seeing everyone else participate emboldened me to share my ideas too.
Root Explanation
Emboldened → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be) and "bold" (from Old English "beald", meaning brave or daring) and the suffix "-en" (meaning to make). The word "emboldened" means to be made bold or courageous.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'made brave' — 'en-' means to cause, and 'bold' refers to bravery. This helps you remember that 'emboldened' means to be made bold.
Visually Confused Words
unimboldened