Te*mer"i*ty (?), n. [L. temeritas,
from temere by chance, rashly; perhaps akin to Skr. tamas
darkness: cf. F. témérité.] Unreasonable
contempt of danger; extreme venturesomeness; rashness; as, the
temerity of a commander in war.
Syn. -- Rashness; precipitancy; heedlessness; venturesomeness. -
- Temerity, Rashness. These words are closely allied in
sense, but have a slight difference in their use and application.
Temerity is Latin, and rashness is Anglo-Saxon. As in many
such cases, the Latin term is more select and dignified; the Anglo-Saxon
more familiar and energetic. We show temerity in hasty decisions,
and the conduct to which they lead. We show rashness in particular
actions, as dictated by sudden impulse. It is an exhibition of
temerity to approach the verge of a precipice; it is an act of
rashness to jump into a river without being able to swim.
Temerity, then, is an unreasonable contempt of danger;
rashness is a rushing into danger from thoughtlessness or excited
feeling.
It is notorious temerity to pass sentence upon
grounds uncapable of evidence.
Barrow.
Her rush hand in evil hour
Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat.
Milton.
Te*mer"i*ty (?), n. [L. temeritas,
from temere by chance, rashly; perhaps akin to Skr. tamas
darkness: cf. F. témérité.] Unreasonable
contempt of danger; extreme venturesomeness; rashness; as, the
temerity of a commander in war.
Syn. -- Rashness; precipitancy; heedlessness; venturesomeness. -
- Temerity, Rashness. These words are closely allied in
sense, but have a slight difference in their use and application.
Temerity is Latin, and rashness is Anglo-Saxon. As in many
such cases, the Latin term is more select and dignified; the Anglo-Saxon
more familiar and energetic. We show temerity in hasty decisions,
and the conduct to which they lead. We show rashness in particular
actions, as dictated by sudden impulse. It is an exhibition of
temerity to approach the verge of a precipice; it is an act of
rashness to jump into a river without being able to swim.
Temerity, then, is an unreasonable contempt of danger;
rashness is a rushing into danger from thoughtlessness or excited
feeling.
It is notorious temerity to pass sentence upon
grounds uncapable of evidence.
Barrow.
Her rush hand in evil hour
Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she eat.
Milton.
