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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Dare: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：take a leap (dare)

dare 🔊

/deər/

to have the bravery to do something, especially something that feels risky or scary.

Dare meaning: person on diving board ready to jump

take a leap 🔊

➕

/teɪk ə liːp/

To have the courage or boldness to do something that involves risk or fear, often pushing beyond one's comfort zone.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'durran' (to be bold, venture).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'dare' = 'do a risky endeavor' – just add one letter: 'd' + 'are' (you are) → 'You are bold!'

📖 Example

Even though she was shy, she dared to give her first public speech in front of hundreds of people. 🔊 Even though she was shy, she dared to give her first public speech in front of hundreds of people.

🔗 Collocations

dare to do something – to have the courage to do something

dare someone to do something – to challenge someone to do something

how dare you – expression of shock or anger at someone's audacity

🔄 Synonyms

venture (v.) – to undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action

risk (v.) – to expose to danger or loss; to take a chance

brave (v.) – to face or endure danger or pain with courage

🚫 Antonyms

fear (v.) – to be afraid of; to hesitate due to danger

cower (v.) – to crouch down in fear; to shrink away

hesitate (v.) – to pause before acting due to uncertainty or fear

🌱 Derivatives

daring (adj.) – showing a willingness to take risks or be bold

daringly (adv.) – in a bold or risky manner

daredevil (n.) – a person who enjoys taking extreme risks

📖 Cultural Story

Dare originates from Old English 'durran', related to Gothic 'gadaursan'. The phrase 'I dare you' has been a common childhood challenge for centuries, reflecting a fundamental test of bravery.

Meaning 2：challenge someone (dare)

dare 🔊

/deər/

to challenge someone to do something to see if they are brave enough, often in a playful or risky way.

Dare challenge: friend daring another to eat spicy chili

challenge someone 🔊

➕

/ˈtʃælɪndʒ ˈsʌmwʌn/

To challenge someone to do something, often to test their courage or as a playful game, implying a risk or consequence.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My friend dared me to eat the whole spicy pepper, saying I wouldn't be able to handle it. 🔊 My friend dared me to eat the whole spicy pepper, saying I wouldn't be able to handle it.

🔗 Collocations

dare someone to do something – to challenge someone to do something

take a dare – to accept a challenge

accept a dare – to agree to do what someone challenges you to do

🔄 Synonyms

challenge (v.) – to invite someone to compete or take part in a contest of courage or skill

provoke (v.) – to stimulate someone to do something, often by irritating or arousing a reaction

goad (v.) – to urge or provoke someone to take action, often by persistent annoyance

🚫 Antonyms

discourage (v.) – to persuade someone not to do something; to dishearten

dissuade (v.) – to advise against an action; to convince someone not to do something

warn (v.) – to inform someone of potential danger, thereby discouraging action

🌱 Derivatives

daring (adj.) – showing a willingness to take risks or be bold

daredevil (n.) – a person who enjoys taking extreme risks