temerario
“temerario” means “reckless” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
reckless
Also: foolhardy, rash
📝 In Action
El conductor temerario causó un accidente en la autopista.
B1The reckless driver caused an accident on the highway.
No seas temerario; es mejor esperar a que pase la tormenta.
B2Don't be foolhardy; it is better to wait for the storm to pass.
Su decisión temeraria puso en peligro a todo el equipo.
C1His rash decision put the entire team in danger.
unfounded
Also: baseless
📝 In Action
Hacer un juicio temerario sobre su honestidad fue un error.
C1Making an unfounded judgment about her honesty was a mistake.
La demanda fue rechazada por ser considerada temeraria.
C2The lawsuit was rejected for being considered baseless.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: temerario
Question 1 of 3
Which of these people is being 'temerario'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'temerarius,' which described something done by chance or blindly. It comes from 'temere,' meaning 'blindly' or 'casually.' Over time, it evolved to describe people who act as if they are blind to danger.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'temerario' a bad thing to be?
Usually, yes. While 'valiente' (brave) is a compliment, 'temerario' implies that you are being risky in a way that is foolish or irresponsible.
Does it come from the verb 'temer' (to fear)?
Yes! It is related. A 'temerario' person is someone who acts as if they have no 'temor' (fear), even when they should.
Can I use it for objects?
You can use it for actions or plans (una maniobra temeraria), but not for physical objects like a 'reckless chair.' It describes the nature of an act or a person.