What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nerviness
Example
I was impressed by her nerviness when she stood up to the boss. [nerviness: noun]
Example
He showed his nerviness by taking on the challenge despite the risks involved. [nerviness: adjective]
audacity
Example
The thief had the audacity to steal from the store in broad daylight. [audacity: noun]
Example
She showed audacity by proposing a radical solution to the problem. [audacity: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Audacity is more commonly used than nerviness in everyday language, especially in the context of daring or unconventional actions. Nerviness is less common and may be considered a more specialized term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nerviness and audacity?
Both nerviness and audacity are informal words that are more likely to be used in casual or colloquial speech than in formal writing or academic contexts.