Bold vs. Dare — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 4, 2024
Bold often refers to someone courageous and willing to take risks, whereas dare involves directly challenging someone to do something risky or daring.
Difference Between Bold and Dare
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Boldness typically describes an inherent quality of being fearless and confident in one's actions. It manifests in taking risks without hesitation. On the other hand, a dare is more of an external challenge posed by one person to another, compelling them to undertake a risky action to prove their courage.
While bold individuals naturally exhibit bravery in various situations, daring someone specifically involves prompting or inciting them to demonstrate their boldness. This can occur in social settings, where challenges are issued to test one's limits.
A bold person might take the initiative in situations where others hesitate, driven by internal confidence. Whereas, a dare often requires external provocation or encouragement before the action is taken.
Bold actions are usually self-motivated and reflect a person’s character or disposition. In contrast, dares are often influenced by peer pressure or the desire to gain approval or respect from others.
Boldness can be a continuous trait displayed in many aspects of life, such as leadership or decision-making. Conversely, a dare is typically a single event or challenge that has a clear beginning and end.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Showing an ability to take risks confidently and courageously
A challenge to do something requiring courage
Motivation
Internal confidence and courage
External challenge or provocation
Frequency of occurrence
Can be a consistent trait
Usually a specific, isolated challenge
Driven by
Personal initiative
Often driven by others (peer pressure)
Contextual use
Describes personality traits
Used in specific challenging situations
Compare with Definitions
Bold
Standing out distinctly; conspicuous.
The painter’s bold colors capture attention.
Dare
A game or challenge involving such a test of bravery.
The kids played truth or dare.
Bold
Not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger.
His bold move saved the day.
Dare
An act of defiance or challenge.
It was a dare to swim across the river.
Bold
Necessitating courage and daring.
She made a bold decision to change careers.
Dare
Challenge someone to do something requiring courage.
He dared his friend to jump into the lake.
Bold
Beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action.
He was bold in his unorthodox strategies.
Dare
Defy or challenge to do something considered impossible.
She dared to defy the norms and succeeded.
Bold
Fearless before danger.
She was bold enough to tackle the difficult course alone.
Dare
To have the audacity or boldness for something.
No one dared to question his decisions.
Bold
Fearless and daring; courageous
A bold leader.
Dare
Have the courage to do something
She leaned forward as far as she dared
A story he dare not write down
Bold
Requiring or exhibiting courage or daring
A bold voyage to unknown lands.
Dare
Defy or challenge (someone) to do something
She was daring him to disagree
Swap with me, I dare you
Bold
Unduly forward and brazen; impudent
A bold, sassy child.
Dare
Take the risk of; brave
Few dared his wrath
Bold
Strikingly different or unconventional; arresting or provocative
"[He] laid out a bold, new vision for America's leading universities" (Jerome Karabel).
Dare
A challenge, especially to prove courage
She ran across a main road for a dare
Bold
Clear and distinct to the eye; conspicuous
Bold colors.
A bold pattern.
Dare
To have the courage required for
The gymnast dared a breathtakingly difficult move.
Bold
Strong or pronounced; prominent
The bold flavor of ginger.
Dare
To challenge (someone) to do something requiring boldness
They dared me to dive off the high board.
Bold
Steep or abrupt in grade or terrain
"The two walk along the high, bold, rocky shore" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
Dare
To confront boldly; brave
Dared the dizzying heights of the mountain.
Bold
(Printing) Boldface.
Dare
To be courageous or bold enough to do or try something
Go ahead and dive if you dare.
Bold
(obsolete) A dwelling; habitation; building.
Dare
To be courageous or bold enough to
I dare not say. How dare she go?.
Bold
Courageous, daring.
Bold deeds win admiration and, sometimes, medals.
Dare
An act of daring; a challenge.
Bold
Visually striking; conspicuous.
The painter's bold use of colour and outline
Dare
(intransitive) To have enough courage (to do something).
I wouldn't dare (to) argue with my boss.
Bold
Having thicker strokes than the ordinary form of the typeface.
The last word of this sentence is bold.
Dare
(transitive) To defy or challenge (someone to do something)
I dare you to kiss that girl.
Bold
Presumptuous, forward or impudent.
Dare
(transitive) To have enough courage to meet or do something, go somewhere, etc.; to face up to
Will you dare death to reach your goal?
Bold
(Ireland) Naughty; insolent; badly-behaved.
All of her children are terribly bold and never do as they are told.
Dare
(transitive) To terrify; to daunt.
Bold
Full-bodied.
Dare
(transitive) To catch (larks) by producing terror through the use of mirrors, scarlet cloth, a hawk, etc., so that they lie still till a net is thrown over them.
Bold
(Philippines) Pornographic; depicting nudity.
Dare
(obsolete) To stare stupidly or vacantly; to gaze as though amazed or terrified.
Bold
Steep or abrupt.
Dare
(obsolete) To lie or crouch down in fear.
Bold
(transitive) To make (a font or some text) bold.
Dare
A challenge to prove courage.
Bold
To make bold or daring.
Dare
The quality of daring; venturesomeness; boldness.
Bold
To become bold or brave.
Dare
Defiance; challenge.
Bold
Forward to meet danger; venturesome; daring; not timorous or shrinking from risk; brave; courageous.
Throngs of knights and barons bold.
Dare
(games) In the game truth or dare, the choice to perform a dare set by the other players.
When asked truth or dare, she picked dare.
Bold
Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous.
Dare
To have adequate or sufficient courage for any purpose; to be bold or venturesome; not to be afraid; to venture.
I dare do all that may become a man; Who dares do more is none.
Why then did not the ministers use their new law? Bacause they durst not, because they could not.
Who dared to sully her sweet love with suspicion.
The tie of party was stronger than the tie of blood, because a partisan was more ready to dare without asking why.
The pore dar plede (the poor man dare plead).
You know one dare not discover you.
The fellow dares not deceive me.
Here boldly spread thy hands, no venom'd weedDares blister them, no slimy snail dare creep.
Bold
In a bad sense, too forward; taking undue liberties; over assuming or confident; lacking proper modesty or restraint; rude; impudent.
Thou art too wild, too rude and bold of voice.
Dare
To have courage for; to attempt courageously; to venture to do or to undertake.
What high concentration of steady feeling makes men dare every thing and do anything?
To wrest it from barbarism, to dare its solitudes.
Bold
Somewhat overstepping usual bounds, or conventional rules, as in art, literature, etc.; taking liberties in composition or expression; as, the figures of an author are bold.
The cathedral church is a very bold work.
Dare
To challenge; to provoke; to defy.
Time, I dare thee to discoverSuch a youth and such a lover.
Bold
Standing prominently out to view; markedly conspicuous; striking the eye; in high relief.
Shadows in painting . . . make the figure bolder.
Dare
To lurk; to lie hid.
Bold
Steep; abrupt; prominent.
Where the bold cape its warning forehead rears.
Dare
To terrify; to daunt.
For I have done those follies, those mad mischiefs,Would dare a woman.
Bold
To make bold or daring.
Dare
The quality of daring; venturesomeness; boldness; dash.
It lends a luster . . . A large dare to our great enterprise.
Bold
To be or become bold.
Dare
A small fish; the dace.
Bold
A typeface with thick heavy lines
Dare
A challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy;
He could never refuse a dare
Bold
Fearless and daring;
Bold settlers on some foreign shore
A bold speech
A bold adventure
Dare
Take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission;
How dare you call my lawyer?
Bold
Clear and distinct;
Bold handwriting
A figure carved in bold relief
A bold design
Dare
To be courageous enough to try or do something;
I don't dare call him
She dares to dress differently from the others
Bold
Very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front;
A bluff headland
Where the bold chalk cliffs of England rise
A sheer descent of rock
Dare
Challenge;
I dare you!
Common Curiosities
Can a bold person refuse a dare?
Yes, a bold person can refuse a dare if they consider it unwise or pointless, as boldness also involves making thoughtful decisions.
How is a dare typically issued?
A dare is usually issued verbally, challenging someone directly to prove their bravery by doing something risky or feared.
Do dares always involve physical challenges?
No, dares can also involve mental or emotional challenges, although they often have a physical component.
How do cultures view boldness and dares differently?
Cultural perceptions vary, but typically, boldness is universally respected, while the appropriateness of dares can differ based on social norms.
Can daring be considered a form of bullying?
If used maliciously or coercively, dares can be a form of bullying, particularly if they force someone into uncomfortable or harmful situations.
What makes someone bold?
Being bold typically involves innate courage and confidence, allowing individuals to face fears and take risks without hesitation.
Is boldness a positive trait?
Generally, boldness is viewed positively as it involves courage and leadership qualities, but it must be balanced with wisdom to avoid reckless decisions.
Can boldness affect one's career positively?
Yes, boldness can positively impact one's career by enabling proactive decision-making and leadership, which are valued in many fields.
Is there an age where dares become inappropriate?
While dares are common among youth, maturity often brings a different perspective on the risks and consequences, making some dares inappropriate with age.
What is the purpose of a dare?
The purpose of a dare is often to test courage, provoke action, or provide entertainment in social settings.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
