What is dare? Pronunciation and usage in English

dare means . Learn how to pronounce and use dare through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of dare

dareverb

/dɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of dare

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dare" in English. There are a couple of slightly different ways it can be pronounced, depending on the region, but here's the most common and generally accepted pronunciation:

Most Common Pronunciation (American and British):

  • DAIR (rhymes with "hair")

    • The "a" sound is like the "a" in "hair."
    • The "r" is a tap – a very light and quick roll of the tongue. It's not a full, strong "r" like in "red." Think of it as a quick brushing of the tongue against the roof of your mouth.

Less Common (but still heard):

  • DAH-er (emphasizing the second syllable) - This is more common in some British accents.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "air" sound: The key is the vowel sound, which is similar to "hair."
  • Light "r" tap: Don't overdo the "r" sound. It’s a small, gentle touch.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce dare" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/dare/ - This website provides pronunciations from native speakers in different accents.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What region are you interested in? (e.g., American English, British English, Australian English, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word dare in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dare" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown:

1. As a Verb – To Challenge or Encourage:

  • Meaning: To challenge someone to do something, often something risky or difficult. It can also mean to encourage someone to do something they might be hesitant about.
  • Structure: dare + object + (to) + verb
  • Examples:
    • “I dare you to jump off that cliff!” (Challenge) – Emphasis on the difficulty/risk.
    • “Don't dare interrupt me!” (Command/Warning) – Expressing strong disapproval.
    • “He dared to suggest he could fix the car.” (Challenge/Disrespect) - Suggesting someone was being bold or presumptuous.
    • “I dare you to try the spicy curry.” (Encourage) – Motivating someone to step outside their comfort zone.
    • “My father dared me to stay out past midnight.” (Challenge – Historical usage) - This is an older usage, stemming from a tradition of dares.

2. As a Noun – A Challenge:

  • Meaning: The act or challenge itself. It’s what someone does when they dare someone.
  • Examples:
    • “He accepted the dare to swim in the freezing lake.”
    • “They invented a series of increasingly crazy dares for each other.”
    • “I’ve never been dared to do anything foolish.”

3. Informal Usage (Often with "to"):

  • Meaning: To be willing to do something, or to be bold enough to do something. Similar to "I'll be brave enough..."
  • Structure: dare + to + verb
  • Examples:
    • “I dare to dream big!” (Meaning: I’m willing to dream big)
    • "She dare not speak out against the boss." (Meaning: She was afraid to speak out) - Note: "dare not" is a more formal, older version of "dare not."

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Dare" vs. "Challenge": “Dare” often implies a more playful, slightly rebellious, or risky challenge. “Challenge” can be used in more formal contexts (e.g., “He challenged her to a debate”).

  • "Dare not" vs. "Don’t dare": “Dare not” is a more formal and emphatic way of saying “don’t dare.”

  • Context is Crucial: The tone and meaning of "dare" heavily depend on the context of the sentence and the relationship between the speakers.

Here’s a table to summarize:

Form Meaning Example
Verb To challenge/encourage “I dare you to dance!”
Noun The challenge itself “That was a daring stunt!”
Informal (with 'to') To be willing/brave "I dare to believe it's possible."

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What specific context are you thinking about when you want to use "dare"? (e.g., a playful conversation with friends, a formal argument, telling a story, etc.)

Synonyms for the word dare

Idioms of the word dare

don’t you dare!
(informal)used to tell somebody strongly not to do something
  • ‘I'll tell her about it.’ ‘Don't you dare!’
  • Don't you dare say anything to anybody.
how dare you, etc.
used to show that you are angry about something that somebody has done
  • How dare you talk to me like that?
  • How dare she imply that I was lying?
I dare say
used when you are saying that something is likely
  • I dare say you know about it already.

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