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Shameless boldness or audacity.
synonyms:brazenessimpudence
The word 'effrontery' comes from the Latin 'effronteria', which is derived from 'effrons', meaning 'shameless'. It entered the English language in the late 1800s.
This word is often used in everyday conversation, particularly in situations that involve social interactions or breaches of etiquette.
While not used daily, 'effrontery' is recognized and understood by many, especially in contexts involving discussions of rudeness or bold behavior.
The student's effrontery in questioning the teacher's authority surprised everyone in the room.
His effrontery when demanding a raise without merit left his colleagues speechless.
She had the effrontery to interrupt the meeting and voice her controversial opinion.
Effrontery is a delightful word that captures the essence of boldness taken too far. Originating from Latin, it evokes images of someone audaciously crossing the line of acceptable behavior. Though it may not be a word you hear every day, it is perfect for describing moments when someone’s cheekiness leaves others in disbelief. Next time you encounter a situation where someone is unapologetically bold, consider using 'effrontery' to add a touch of flair to your description!