Cool MateBold vs No shame about it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Bold
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adjective
No shame about it
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Bold
| Bold | No shame about it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/bəʊld/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bəʊld/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ ʃeɪm əˈbaʊt ɪt//🇺🇸 //noʊ ʃeɪm əˈbaʊt ɪt// |
| Meaning | Not afraid to take risks; brave. | Feeling okay with something you did, even if it's not usually accepted. |
| Example | Her bold decision to travel alone was admired by everyone. | She walked in wearing those bright shoes with no shame about it. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, feel, become, extremely, fairly, very | show no shame, feel no shame, have no shame |
| Antonyms | timid, shy, cowardly | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'bald'; they sound similar., Using 'bold' as a noun instead of an adjective., Misunderstanding its meaning as just 'bright' or 'vivid'. | Using 'shame' instead of 'guilt' (they mean different things)., Confusing this phrase with 'never been ashamed of it' (which has a different emphasis). |
| Usage notes | Use 'bold' to describe someone who is courageous or actions that are daring. It's suitable in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual settings where 'risky' might fit better. | Use this phrase to express confidence or acceptance of your actions. It's suitable in most informal and casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Bold vs No shame about it
What's the difference between Bold and No shame about it?
Bold: Not afraid to take risks; brave. No shame about it: Feeling okay with something you did, even if it's not usually accepted.
Which is more common: Bold and No shame about it?
Bold is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Bold: Her bold decision to travel alone was admired by everyone. No shame about it: She walked in wearing those bright shoes with no shame about it.
Can I use Bold and No shame about it interchangeably?
Not always. Bold and No shame about it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.