intrepid
What does "intrepid" mean?
Intrepid describes a person who is exceptionally brave, fearless, and adventurous. The mental image is of someone standing tall in the face of great danger, perhaps a legendary explorer venturing into an uncharted jungle or a pioneer pushing into the unknown without a hint of hesitation. While it is a positive term, it is quite formal and literary in register. You would rarely use it in casual conversation to describe someone just doing a brave act; instead, it is reserved for describing people who demonstrate a bold, persistent, and adventurous spirit over a long period.
"intrepid" in conversation
Discussing a friend's travel
Did you see that Leo is hiking across the Andes solo?
Did you see that Leo is hiking across the Andes solo?
He really is an intrepid explorer, isn't he?
He really is an intrepid explorer, isn't he?
Used here to emphasize the adventurous nature of the friend.
Work meeting
We need someone intrepid to lead this risky new project.
We need someone intrepid to lead this risky new project.
I'm ready for the challenge.
I'm ready for the challenge.
Highlights the need for boldness in a professional context.
"intrepid" in a sentence
The intrepid kitten climbed the tall tree.
The intrepid kitten climbed the tall tree.
The intrepid journalist traveled to the war zone to report the truth.
The intrepid journalist traveled to the war zone to report the truth.
She displayed an intrepid spirit while navigating the treacherous mountain pass during the blizzard.
She displayed an intrepid spirit while navigating the treacherous mountain pass during the blizzard.
