\Te*mer"i*ty\, n. [L. temeritas, from temere by chance,
rashly; perhaps akin to Skr. tamas darkness: cf. F.
t['e]m['e]rit['e].]
Unreasonable contempt of danger; extreme venturesomeness;
rashness; as, the temerity of a commander in war.
Syn: Rashness; precipitancy; heedlessness; venturesomeness.
Usage: {Temerity}, {Rashness}. These words are closely allied
       in sense, but have a slight difference in their use
       and application. Temerity is Latin, and rashness is
       Anglo-Saxon. As in many such cases, the Latin term is
       more select and dignified; the Anglo-Saxon more
       familiar and energetic. We show temerity in hasty
       decisions, and the conduct to which they lead. We show
       rashness in particular actions, as dictated by sudden
       impulse. It is an exhibition of temerity to approach
       the verge of a precipice; it is an act of rashness to
       jump into a river without being able to swim.
       Temerity, then, is an unreasonable contempt of danger;
       rashness is a rushing into danger from thoughtlessness
       or excited feeling.
             It is notorious temerity to pass sentence upon
             grounds uncapable of evidence.    --Barrow.
             Her rush hand in evil hour Forth reaching to the
             fruit, she plucked, she eat.      --Milton.