Bold vs. Dashing — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 19, 2024
Bold means showing a willingness to take risks and being confident, while dashing refers to being stylish, energetic, and attractive.
Difference Between Bold and Dashing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bold describes someone who is fearless and confident, willing to take risks and stand out. This characteristic often involves assertiveness and courage, whether in making decisions or expressing opinions. Dashing, on the other hand, refers to someone who is stylish, energetic, and attractive. It carries a sense of flair and charisma, often associated with good looks and a vibrant personality. A dashing individual might be someone who stands out in social settings due to their fashionable appearance and dynamic presence.
While boldness is about courage and risk-taking, dashing is more about charm and appearance. A bold person might challenge the status quo or lead a new initiative, whereas a dashing person might captivate an audience with their elegance and vivacity.
Boldness can sometimes be perceived as brash or audacious, involving actions that require significant self-assurance. Dashing, however, is associated with grace and allure, often drawing admiration for one’s style and lively demeanor.
In professional settings, bold individuals might be seen as leaders or innovators due to their willingness to take risks. Dashing individuals, while potentially also confident, are more likely to be noted for their charisma and presentation.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Willing to take risks; confident
Stylish, energetic, and attractive
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Connotation
Courageous, assertive
Charismatic, elegant
Context
Risk-taking, decision-making
Appearance, social presence
Example
Bold leader, bold decision
Dashing figure, dashing style
Perception
Can be seen as audacious
Often seen as charming
Compare with Definitions
Bold
Not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger.
His bold actions during the crisis saved many lives.
Dashing
Marked by elegance or good looks.
The dashing hero of the film was adored by fans.
Bold
Showing a willingness to take risks; confident.
She made a bold move by starting her own company.
Dashing
Energetic and spirited.
Her dashing performance on stage impressed the audience.
Bold
Standing out prominently; strong and vivid.
The bold colors in the painting caught everyone's attention.
Dashing
Displaying a sense of adventure and liveliness.
His dashing personality made him the life of the party.
Bold
Fearless and daring; courageous
A bold leader.
Dashing
Strikingly fashionable and impressive.
She made a dashing entrance at the gala.
Bold
Requiring or exhibiting courage or daring
A bold voyage to unknown lands.
Dashing
Audacious and gallant; spirited
A dashing young actor.
Bold
Unduly forward and brazen; impudent
A bold, sassy child.
Dashing
Marked by showy elegance; splendid
A dashing sports car.
Bold
Strikingly different or unconventional; arresting or provocative
"[He] laid out a bold, new vision for America's leading universities" (Jerome Karabel).
Dashing
Spirited, audacious and full of high spirits.
Bold
Clear and distinct to the eye; conspicuous
Bold colors.
A bold pattern.
Dashing
Chic, fashionable.
All heads turned as the dashing young man entered the room.
Bold
Strong or pronounced; prominent
The bold flavor of ginger.
Dashing
Present participle of dash
Bold
Steep or abrupt in grade or terrain
"The two walk along the high, bold, rocky shore" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
Dashing
The action of the verb to dash.
Bold
(Printing) Boldface.
Dashing
Bold; spirited; showy.
The dashing and daring spirit is preferable to the listless.
Bold
(obsolete) A dwelling; habitation; building.
Dashing
Lively and spirited;
A dashing hero
Bold
Courageous, daring.
Bold deeds win admiration and, sometimes, medals.
Dashing
Marked by smartness in dress and manners;
A dapper young man
A jaunty red hat
Bold
Visually striking; conspicuous.
The painter's bold use of colour and outline
Dashing
Stylish and attractive.
He looked dashing in his new tuxedo.
Bold
Having thicker strokes than the ordinary form of the typeface.
The last word of this sentence is bold.
Bold
Presumptuous, forward or impudent.
Bold
(Ireland) Naughty; insolent; badly-behaved.
All of her children are terribly bold and never do as they are told.
Bold
Full-bodied.
Bold
(Philippines) Pornographic; depicting nudity.
Bold
Steep or abrupt.
Bold
(transitive) To make (a font or some text) bold.
Bold
To make bold or daring.
Bold
To become bold or brave.
Bold
Forward to meet danger; venturesome; daring; not timorous or shrinking from risk; brave; courageous.
Throngs of knights and barons bold.
Bold
Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous.
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.
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.
Bold
Standing prominently out to view; markedly conspicuous; striking the eye; in high relief.
Shadows in painting . . . make the figure bolder.
Bold
Steep; abrupt; prominent.
Where the bold cape its warning forehead rears.
Bold
To make bold or daring.
Bold
To be or become bold.
Bold
A typeface with thick heavy lines
Bold
Fearless and daring;
Bold settlers on some foreign shore
A bold speech
A bold adventure
Bold
Clear and distinct;
Bold handwriting
A figure carved in bold relief
A bold design
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
Bold
Assertive and forward.
His bold attitude in meetings often sparks productive debates.
Bold
Daring in manner or appearance.
The bold architecture of the building was revolutionary.
Common Curiosities
How can someone be described as dashing?
Someone is described as dashing if they are stylish, energetic, and attractive.
Can a person be both bold and dashing?
Yes, a person can be both bold and dashing, showing confidence and charm.
How does someone exhibit a dashing presence?
A dashing presence is shown through stylish appearance, energetic demeanor, and charisma.
Can bold actions be risky?
Yes, bold actions often involve risk-taking and stepping out of comfort zones.
What does it mean to be bold?
Being bold means showing confidence and a willingness to take risks.
How does boldness manifest in behavior?
Boldness manifests as taking risks, speaking up, and making confident decisions.
Is dashing used more for men or women?
Dashing is often used for men, but it can describe anyone with a striking and stylish presence.
Is boldness always a positive trait?
Boldness is generally positive, but it can be seen as audacious or brash if not tempered.
What are some synonyms for bold?
Synonyms for bold include daring, courageous, and audacious.
What are some synonyms for dashing?
Synonyms for dashing include stylish, charismatic, and elegant.
Can bold be used to describe non-human things?
Yes, bold can describe vivid colors, striking designs, and strong statements.
Is dashing mainly about appearance?
Dashing primarily relates to appearance but also includes energetic and spirited behavior.
What professions might value boldness?
Professions like entrepreneurship, leadership roles, and creative fields value boldness.
What settings highlight a dashing personality?
Social events, fashion, and public performances highlight a dashing personality.
How can one develop boldness?
Boldness can be developed by taking small risks, building confidence, and practicing assertiveness.
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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
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.
