Brashly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that is characterized by boldness and a lack of restraint, often exhibiting an audacious disregard for consequences or considerations for others
2. Done with a confident but rude disregard for others' feelings or rules
3. Acting in a way that is boldly disrespectful and shows little concern for consequences

Etymology: "Brashly" is simple in construction: it is the adverb of "brash" with the suffix "-ly" attached. That suffix has a long pedigree. It traces back through Proto-Germanic "-līkaz", a form meaning "having the form or appearance of", which also gave English words like "lovely" and "godly." Over the centuries the suffix passed through Old English "-līce" and Middle English "-ly" before settling into the form used today. The more interesting question is where "brash" itself came from. What is certain is that "brashly" is the manner form of an adjective meaning bold or impetuous, and the suffix carries that quality into a description of how someone acts: with a forward, unrestrained confidence that does not stop to weigh the consequences.

Synonyms: impudently, boldly, audaciously

Antonyms: cautiously, humbly