Bold means showing courage and confidence, especially when facing something difficult or risky. A bold explorer ventures into unknown territory. A bold student raises her hand to answer a challenging question even when she's not completely sure.

Bold actions often involve taking a chance or standing out from the crowd. Speaking up for a friend who's being treated unfairly is bold. Trying out for the school play when you're nervous about performing is bold. The word suggests a willingness to act even when you feel uncertain or afraid, because you believe the action matters.

Bold also describes something visually striking or noticeable. Bold letters are thick and dark, designed to catch your attention. A bold color like bright red or electric blue stands out from quieter colors around it. An artist might make a bold choice by using unexpected colors or shapes.

People sometimes use the phrase bold as brass to describe someone acting with extreme confidence, occasionally even rudeness. But generally, being bold is admired: it means having the courage to try new things, speak uncomfortable truths, or take creative risks that others might avoid.