ouso

Ouso is a Portuguese noun meaning boldness or daring, the quality of being willing to take risks or challenge norms. It is the abstract noun derived from the verb ousar (to dare). In contemporary usage, ouso is less common in everyday speech, where ousadia is more frequently used; it is more likely to appear in formal, literary, or historical contexts and in fixed expressions.

Etymology and sense: Ouso stems from the verb ousar, which in turn is linked to Latin roots related to audere, “to dare.” The term can carry a nuanced emphasis on the inner resolve to act despite uncertainty or potential danger. It often appears in discussions of initiative, risk-taking, or moral courage, but can also convey recklessness if the risk is ill-advised.

Usage and connotation: Ouso can express positive qualities such as courage and enterprise, or negative ones when associated with imprudence. It is commonly found in prose, rhetoric, or quotations that reflect on daring actions, innovation, or challenging authority. Examples: “Ele mostrou seu ouso ao propor uma solução radical.” “Tomou o distante caminho do ouso para alcançar o objetivo.”

Related terms and variants: ousadia (common synonym for boldness/audacity), ousar (to dare), audácia (boldness, audacity). In other Romance languages, related forms exist, such as osar in Spanish, reflecting a shared Latin heritage.

See also: ousar; ousadia; audácia.