dare
dare
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "dare" is /dɛər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in the syllable:
/d/ - This represents the voiced alveolar stop consonant, as in "dog". It's made by briefly stopping the airflow with the tongue against the alveolar ridge (the bumpy part behind your upper teeth).
/ɛ/ - This represents the near-open front unrounded vowel, similar to the "e" in "bed". The jaw is relatively open, and the tongue is positioned forward in the mouth.
/ər/ - This represents the r-colored vowel or rhotic diphthong. It's a combination of the vowel /ə/ (as in "about") and the /r/ sound. The tongue is in a central position, and the tip may be raised or curled back slightly for the /r/ sound. This whole combination creates the "air" sound as in the word "fair".
Word Form Variations
dare (base form): This is the infinitive form of the verb and can also be a noun. As a verb, it means to be brave enough to do something. As a noun, it means a challenge to do something risky or difficult.
dares (plural noun/third-person singular present verb): As a noun, this refers to more than one challenge. As a verb, it's the form used with "he," "she," "it," or singular nouns.
dared (past tense/past participle): This is the form used to describe an action that was done in the past. It can also function as an adjective (e.g., "a dared act").
daring (present participle/gerund/adjective): As a present participle, it describes an ongoing action. As a gerund, it functions as a noun (e.g., "Daring to dream big"). As an adjective, it describes someone or something brave and willing to take risks.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A challenge to do something that requires courage or is risky; a feat of bravery or recklessness.
Synonyms: challenge, gauntlet, provocation, wager, bet, risk, gamble, stunt.
Antonyms: discouragement, caution, prudence, timidity, fear, cowardice.
Example: He accepted the dare to jump off the high dive.
Verb:
Definition: To be brave enough to do something; to challenge someone to do something risky or difficult.
Synonyms: venture, brave, risk, challenge, defy, provoke, taunt.
Antonyms: hesitate, falter, flinch, shrink, cower, discourage, dissuade.
Example: I dare you to climb that tree.
Adjective:
Definition: Showing or requiring courage; adventurous and willing to take risks. (Often appears as "daring")
Synonyms: brave, courageous, adventurous, bold, intrepid, fearless, audacious.
Antonyms: timid, cowardly, cautious, fearful, hesitant, apprehensive, pusillanimous.
Example: She's known for her daring exploits.
Adverb:
While "dare" itself isn't typically used as an adverb, the adverbial form is sometimes expressed using other words like "daringly." However, "daring" can sometimes function adverbially in certain contexts.
Definition (Daring - adverbial sense): In a brave and reckless manner.
Synonyms: boldly, bravely, courageously, fearlessly, audaciously, recklessly.
Antonyms: timidly, cautiously, fearfully, hesitantly.
Example: He scaled the cliff daringly. (Or, more commonly: He daringly scaled the cliff.)
Examples of Use
Noun:
General Public Discourse: "My friends and I were playing truth or dare at the party." (Common social interaction)
Online Publication: "The 'ice bucket challenge' was a viral dare that raised millions for ALS research." (Wikipedia)
News: "A group of teenagers took a dangerous dare, resulting in injuries." (Hypothetical news report, reflecting common occurrences)
Verb:
Literature: "I dare you to speak your mind," she said, her eyes flashing. (Fictional dialogue, illustrating a challenge)
Music: "I dare to dream, even though it seems so far." (Song lyrics, expressing aspiration)
Film/Television: "He dared to defy the king's orders." (Fictional narrative, showing courage)
General Public Discourse: "Don't you dare touch that!" (Common expression of prohibition)
Adjective (Daring):
News: "A daring rescue operation saved the stranded climbers." (News report, highlighting bravery)
Online Publication: "The film features breathtaking scenes of daring stunts." (Movie review, describing action)
Literature: "She was known for her daring spirit." (Fictional description, portraying character)
General Public Discourse: "That was a daring move!" (Expressing admiration or surprise)
Adverb (Daringly/Adverbial use of "daring"):
Literature: "He daringly leaped across the chasm." (Fictional narrative, describing action)
News: "The pilot daringly landed the plane despite the storm." (News report, emphasizing skill and courage)
General Public Discourse: "She daringly wore a bright red dress to the formal event." (Describing a bold choice)
10 Famous Quotes Using Dare
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." — Robert F. Kennedy
"Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends." — Aberjhani
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life. Dare to dream." — Muhammad Ali
"Dare to be honest and fear no labor." — Robert Burns
"The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. Dare to do it."— Coco Chanel
"We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice." — Theodore Roosevelt
"Don’t you dare settle for fine." — Roy Kent
"You cannot swim for new horizons until you dare to lose sight of the shore."— William Faulkner
"Live the life you dare to imagine." — Henry David Thoreau
"Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." — John Adams
Etymology
Let's explore the origins of the word "dare." It's a pretty old word, tracing its roots back through time.
"Dare" comes from Old English, specifically the word "dearran." This Old English word meant "to dare, venture, be bold." Even further back, we can find its ancestor in Proto-Germanic, a reconstructed language that's like the common ancestor of many Germanic languages, including English and German. The Proto-Germanic word was *darsaz, which also meant "to dare."
So, the basic idea of "being bold" or "venturing" has been part of the word's meaning from the very beginning. It's a concept that has stayed consistent throughout its linguistic journey.
Unfortunately, pinpointing the very first written use and meaning is nearly impossible. Records from that long ago are scarce. However, we know that "dearran" (the Old English version) was already in use centuries ago, suggesting that the concept of daring was important to people even then. It's likely that even before written records, people were using a form of the word to express challenges, bravery, and risk-taking.
In short, "dare" has deep roots in the Germanic languages, with its core meaning of boldness and venturing remaining unchanged for a very long time. It's a word that speaks to a fundamental human characteristic.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dare
Direct Uses/Phrases:
I dare you: This is the most common phrase, a direct challenge.
How dare you! An exclamation of anger or indignation at someone's actions.
Daredevil: A person who takes unnecessary and dangerous risks.
To dare to dream: To have the courage to pursue ambitious goals.
Dare say: An expression of mild assertion or polite qualification (e.g., "I dare say it's going to rain").
Why "Dare" is Less Common in Idioms:
"Dare" often carries a strong, direct connotation of challenge or risk. Idioms tend to be more figurative and nuanced. Also, the verb form is used more frequently than the noun, which can limit idiomatic development.
Related Expressions/Phrases (Synonyms and Similar Concepts):
Take a risk: Similar to daring, but often implies a more calculated gamble.
Brave the elements: To face harsh weather conditions courageously.
Plunge into the unknown: To venture into something unfamiliar and potentially risky.
Go out on a limb: To take a risk that could leave one vulnerable.
Stick your neck out: To take a risk or make oneself vulnerable to criticism.
Step up to the plate: To take on a challenge or responsibility.
Face the music: To accept the consequences of one's actions.
Bell the cat: To undertake a dangerous or difficult task. (Often used in the context of taking initiative when others are afraid.)
Original/Less Common Phrases (Examples):
"Dare to whisper your secrets to the wind." (Figurative, emphasizing vulnerability and sharing)
"The dare of the open sea called to him." (Personification, suggesting a compelling challenge)
"He lived his life on a dare." (Implies a life filled with risk-taking)
While "dare" itself might not be the king of idioms, the concept of daring and risk-taking is richly represented in the English language, as the list of related expressions shows.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dare from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
