exploit
noun
Exploit — a daring deed, told and retold for its boldness
Definition
A notable achievement; "he performed a great feat"; "the book was her finest effort"
In depth
An exploit is a notable achievement, typically one marked by daring, adventure, or boldness, the kind of act that lends itself naturally to storytelling and legend. The word carries a slight swagger, often associated with heroic or roguish figures whose deeds are recounted with a mixture of admiration and entertainment.
Origin
The word descends from Old French esploit, success or accomplishment, ultimately from Latin explicare, to unfold or accomplish, formed from ex- (out) and plicare (to fold). That image of unfolding lies quietly beneath the word's modern sense: an exploit is a deed that has been, in a sense, unfolded fully into the open for all to witness and admire.
Usage examples
"Tales of his wartime exploits grew more elaborate with every year that passed since the actual events."
"The young pilot's exploits had already become local legend before she turned twenty-five."
"Her grandmother's exploits as a young revolutionary were the family's most treasured, if unverifiable, stories."
How to use it
Exploit suits adventurous, biographical, or storytelling registers especially well, often carrying a colorful, slightly dramatized quality. Writers should distinguish this noun sense, a daring deed, from the unrelated verb 'to exploit,' meaning to use selfishly or unfairly, since the two share spelling but diverge sharply in connotation.
Related concepts
Looking for a word but don't know its name?
Try the Word Finder →