What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bold
Example
She made a bold decision to quit her job and start her own business. [bold: adjective]
Example
The painting had bold colors and shapes that caught everyone's attention. [bold: adjective]
brave
Example
The firefighter was brave enough to enter the burning building to save the trapped family. [brave: adjective]
Example
She bravely stood up for what she believed in, even when faced with opposition. [bravely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brave is more commonly used than bold in everyday language. Brave is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe acts of bravery or facing challenges. On the other hand, bold is less common and is often used to describe someone's personality, style, or striking appearance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bold and brave?
Both bold and brave can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bold may be perceived as slightly more informal due to its association with audacity and assertiveness, while brave has a stronger connection to heroism and selflessness, making it suitable for more formal situations as well.
