emboldened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "emboldened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has gained confidence or courage to act in a certain way. Example: "After receiving positive feedback, she felt emboldened to share her ideas more freely in meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Above all, Hungary's vote shows that the extremist, outright racist right is not weakened, but in fact emboldened by such an approach.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emboldened, I went on the hunt for an actual civil uprising.

The Guardian

The fact that there were efforts to weaken the rule further was a sign of emboldened Republicans and industry supporters, not of dissatisfaction, Hartl said in an interview.

The Guardian

In fact, success has emboldened the Prime Minister to move further to the right.' Last night leading Labour Party figures dismissed Hattersley's attack.

The Guardian

The resulting lack of control has emboldened MPs to do what was unthinkable in the Blair era by offering themselves up to a media ever hungry for a political scandal.

The Guardian

In divided Ireland, it was violent; in Scotland, political, emboldened by newly discovered North Sea oil; in Wales, initially, cultural, based around the preservation of the Welsh language.

The Guardian

Mining communities were always political and class conscious, but the strike put their struggle in a wider context, gave them a chance to travel, find their voice, and emboldened them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Activists say the legislation has emboldened rightwing groups who use social media to "ambush" gay people, luring them to meetings and then humiliating them on camera – sometimes pouring urine on them.

The Guardian

But as the yes campaign in Scotland has gained momentum, Plaid has become emboldened.

The Guardian

The dire results emboldened those party activists calling for Clegg to quit, saying his name is toxic on the doorstep.

The Guardian

If Ghomeshi is guilty, their courage may have prevented others from being harmed by him, and it has certainly emboldened others to speak out about sexual assault and abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emboldened" to describe a situation where someone or a group gains the confidence to take a specific action, especially after a positive event or encouragement.

Common error

Avoid using "emboldened" when the confidence comes from arrogance or ignorance, rather than genuine support or success. Ensure the source of confidence is legitimate to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "emboldened" primarily functions as a past participle or adjective. It describes the state of having been made bold or confident. Ludwig shows that it modifies nouns and describes the result of something that instills courage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "emboldened" is a versatile term that describes the state of gaining confidence, predominantly found in journalistic and analytical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions primarily as a past participle or adjective. It's important to note that "emboldened" often implies a legitimate source of confidence, not merely arrogance. Be mindful of this distinction in your writing to ensure clarity and precision. "Emboldened" is grammatically sound and quite frequently used, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made braver

Focuses more directly on the increase in courage experienced.

given confidence

Highlights the act of bestowing assurance, rather than the resulting state.

inspired to act

Emphasizes the motivation to take action that results from the emboldening.

steeled

Implies a strengthening of resolve, a hardening against opposition.

heartened

Indicates an increase in cheerfulness and optimism, related to courage.

fortified

Suggests a defensive strengthening, a preparation for challenges.

invigorated

Implies renewed energy and enthusiasm, not necessarily courage.

animated

Brings a sense of liveliness and spirited action to the forefront.

stirred up

Implies incitement or provocation, a more aggressive form of emboldening.

buoyed

Suggests a lifting of spirits, creating an atmosphere of optimism and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "emboldened" in a sentence?

You can use "emboldened" to describe someone who has gained the confidence or courage to act. For example, "The team felt "emboldened" by their recent victory and decided to take on a more challenging project".

What are some alternatives to "emboldened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "encouraged", "inspired", or "fortified". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is "emboldened" the same as "empowered"?

While both terms relate to gaining strength, "emboldened" focuses on gaining courage or confidence, whereas "empowered" implies gaining authority or control. They are not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "emboldened" and "motivated"?

"Emboldened" suggests an increase in confidence to act, often after a positive event. "Motivated" simply means having a reason or incentive to do something; the reason does not necessarily gives confidence.