Venturesome means willing to take risks or try new things, even when success isn't guaranteed. A venturesome explorer might set off into unmapped wilderness. A venturesome cook experiments with unusual ingredient combinations. When you're venturesome, you're brave enough to step into the unknown.

Someone venturesome doesn't just dream about adventures or new experiences. They actually pursue them. A venturesome scientist might test a revolutionary theory that other researchers consider too risky. A venturesome student might audition for the lead role in the school play even though they've never acted before.

Being venturesome is different from being reckless. A reckless person ignores danger foolishly, while a venturesome person accepts reasonable risks in pursuit of something worthwhile. The Wright brothers were venturesome when they tested their airplane designs, carefully studying each flight to learn what worked. They took risks, but thoughtful ones.

You might also encounter the word adventuresome, which means almost the same thing but emphasizes the spirit of adventure more specifically. Both words celebrate the courage it takes to try something new when you can't be certain how things will turn out.