What does temerous mean?
Temerous is an uncommon literary adjective for a person who is excessively fearful, hesitant, or lacking in courage. In older usage, however, it can also describe conduct that is rashly bold or recklessly daring. The contrast between these apparently opposite meanings reflects the word's history: both timidity and foolhardiness can be forms of poorly judged behaviour. In contemporary English, the sense meaning “timid” or “fearful” is usually the more readily recognized, while the older sense meaning “rashly bold” appears mainly in formal or historical contexts. A person may therefore be called temerous for shrinking from danger, and the word can also describe an action undertaken with reckless confidence. The word is useful chiefly in literary prose, where it conveys an elevated tone and nuances the difference between ordinary hesitation and a pronounced want of nerve.
adjectiveExcessively timid or fearful; lacking courage. In older or literary usage, it can also mean rashly bold or reckless.
- Timid, fearful, or lacking courage.
- Rashly bold or reckless.
"After the thunderstorm, the temerous child refused to enter the dark garden alone."
"The proposed expedition was halted by the temer's fear of winter conditions."
"His temerous decision to cross the flooded river nearly proved disastrous."
Temerous is an unusual word with a double edge: it can describe someone paralysed by fear or someone bold enough to act recklessly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temerous come from?
Temerous comes from the Latin adjective temerōsus, meaning “timid” or “rashly bold,” which was formed from temere, “rashly, carelessly.” It entered English during the early modern period with senses reflecting both sides of that contrast. Its relatives include the Latin forms temerarius and temeritas and the English noun temerity, meaning boldness, rashness, or reckless daring.
Related word forms
How temerous is actually used
This is a formal, literary, and relatively uncommon word. Its sense of foolhardy boldness survives chiefly in older or elevated writing; modern readers more often understand it as fearful or excessively timid.
Easily confused with temerous
Temerous describes fearful or recklessly bold behaviour, whereas temporary means existing only for a short time.