Adventurous vs. Adventuresome — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 25, 2023
"Adventurous" describes someone willing to take risks or try new experiences and is often used in a broader, more general sense. "Adventuresome" also indicates a taste for adventure but is less commonly used and may imply a more daring or reckless spirit.
Difference Between Adventurous and Adventuresome
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "adventurous" and "adventuresome" both describe a willingness to undertake new and risky tasks or to venture into unknown territories. However, they are used in slightly different contexts. "Adventurous" is more commonly used and is often employed to describe a variety of experiences, from trying exotic foods to taking a backpacking trip.
"Adventuresome," on the other hand, is less commonly used and tends to be more specific. It often carries a connotation of being somewhat more daring or even reckless. It can imply that the person is not only willing to take risks but is somewhat driven by the thrill of risk itself.
Both "adventurous" and "adventuresome" are adjectives, used to describe nouns. While "adventurous" could be used to describe both a person and an activity ("an adventurous person," "an adventurous journey"), "adventuresome" is almost exclusively used to describe individuals.
Grammatically, both terms function as adjectives and can be used in similar sentence structures. However, the more common usage of "adventurous" means that it appears more frequently in both spoken and written English, while "adventuresome" is less common and may be considered slightly more formal or literary.
Comparison Chart
Common Usage
More commonly used
Less commonly used
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Connotation
Willing to take risks
Daring or reckless
Grammatical Function
Adjective
Adjective
Typical Objects Described
Persons or activities
Mostly persons
Formality
Less formal
Slightly more formal
Compare with Definitions
Adventurous
Full of risk; requiring courage.
The adventurous mission was a success.
Adventuresome
Inclined toward adventurous action or enterprise.
He's an adventuresome investor.
Adventurous
Willing to take risks or to try out new methods.
She's adventurous in her cooking.
Adventuresome
Filled with a craving for excitement.
The adventuresome student studied abroad.
Adventurous
Open to new experiences.
He's an adventurous traveler.
Adventuresome
Marked by a desire for adventure; risky.
Her adventuresome spirit led her to skydiving.
Adventurous
Willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences
An adventurous traveller
Adventuresome
Willing to undertake new and daring enterprises.
The adventuresome explorer mapped uncharted lands.
Adventurous
Inclined to undertake new and daring enterprises
"routes first sailed ... by another generation of tough, adventurous seafarers, the clipper men" (Tim Zimmermann).
Adventuresome
Recklessly daring.
The adventuresome stunt caught everyone's attention.
Adventurous
Requiring or characterized by boldness or daring; hazardous; risky
Adventurous travels.
Adventuresome
Given to adventures or to running risks; adventurous
Three adventuresome, energetic boys
Adventurous
Inclined to adventure; willing to take risks; prone to embark on hazardous enterprises; daring.
Adventuresome
Inclined to engage in risky activities or enterprises.
Adventurous
Full of risks; risky; liable to be in danger; requiring courage; rash.
Take an adventurous viewpoint
Adventuresome
Prone to, or willing to undertake, adventures; daring or bold.
Adventurous
Inclined to adventure; willing to incur hazard; prone to embark in hazardous enterprise; rashly daring; - applied to persons.
Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve.
Adventuresome
Full of risk; adventurous; venturesome.
Adventurous
Full of hazard; attended with risk; exposing to danger; requiring courage; rash; - applied to acts; as, an adventurous undertaking, deed, song.
Adventuresome
Willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises;
Adventurous pioneers
The risks and gains of an adventuresome economy
Adventurous
Willing to undertake or seeking out new and daring enterprises;
Adventurous pioneers
The risks and gains of an adventuresome economy
Adventurous
Brave and willing to take chances.
The adventurous child climbed the tree.
Adventurous
Open to unknown or exciting experiences.
She found adventurous ways to solve problems.
Common Curiosities
Can adventurous describe activities as well as people?
Yes, adventurous can describe both activities and people.
Are adventurous and adventuresome synonyms?
They are close in meaning but have subtle differences, especially in connotation.
What does adventurous mean?
Adventurous describes someone willing to take risks or try new experiences.
What does adventuresome mean?
Adventuresome describes someone who is daring or reckless in seeking adventure.
Is adventurous used in everyday language?
Yes, adventurous is commonly used in everyday language.
Can adventuresome describe activities?
It's less common but possible, though it mostly describes individuals.
Is adventuresome more formal than adventurous?
Adventuresome is considered slightly more formal or literary.
Which term implies a greater willingness to take risks?
Adventuresome often implies a greater or more reckless willingness to take risks.
Which is more commonly used, adventurous or adventuresome?
Adventurous is more commonly used.
Are both words adjectives?
Yes, both adventurous and adventuresome are adjectives.
Can adventurous be used in a negative sense?
It's usually positive but can be negative if the risk-taking is viewed unfavorably.
Can adventurous describe a broad range of activities?
Yes, from trying new foods to extreme sports.
Can adventuresome be used in a negative sense?
Yes, especially if the daring or recklessness is seen as foolish.
Is adventuresome often used to describe a specific kind of daring?
Yes, it often describes a more specific, sometimes more reckless, kind of daring.
Is adventuresome used in everyday language?
It's less common and might appear more in written or formal contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
