intrepid

What does “intrepid” mean?

adjective.fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect).

SAT Usage

this word often appears in passages related to exploration, adventure, or overcoming challenges. It emphasizes a boldness and courage that goes beyond mere bravery, sometimes highlighting the humor or rhetorical flair in depicting someone who faces danger without fear. This distinguishes it from similar words like "courageous," which does not inherently carry the sense of adventure or audacity.

Common Confusions

Intrepid implies a boldness and adventurous spirit in facing danger, while courageous usually suggests a strong resolve to confront fear without necessarily incorporating the element of adventure or audacity.

Example Sentences

• The intrepid explorer mapped rivers no one had charted before.

• The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted wilderness, determined to document the rare species that had never been seen by modern eyes.

Word Parts: How to Remember “intrepid”

Break “intrepid” into its parts: in- (not). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: in- not (Latin)