Plural of audacity; plural instances of bold or daring behavior that shows willingness to take risks.
From Latin audacia (boldness, daring), derived from audax (bold, daring). The root relates to audire (to hear), possibly suggesting someone willing to listen to danger or respond to challenges fearlessly.
The root meaning might connect to hearing—an audacious person 'hears' challenges and dares to respond, which is why the word feels like it means being brave enough to actually listen to danger and face it anyway!
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