Word of the Day

: November 25, 2009

temerarious

adjective tem-uh-RAIR-ee-us

What It Means

: marked by temerity : rashly or presumptuously daring

temerarious in Context

The brave explorer set off for the unplumbed depths of the dangerous cave with only a few supplies and one temerarious companion.

Did You Know?

If you have guessed that "temerarious" may be related to the somewhat more common word "temerity," you are correct. "Temerarious" was borrowed into English in the early 16th century from Latin "temerarius," which in turn derives from Latin "temere," meaning "blindly" or" recklessly." "Temerity," which arrived in English over a century earlier, also derives from "temere"; another descendant is the rare word "intemerate" (meaning "pure" or "undefiled"). "Temere" itself is akin to Old High German "demar," Latin "tenebrae," and Sanskrit "tamas," all of which have associations with darkness.