brave

American  

[breyv] / breɪv /

adjective

braver, bravest

1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

   Synonyms:

   heroic, dauntless, daring, intrepid, bold

   Antonyms:

   cowardly

2. making a fine appearance.

3. Archaic. excellent; fine; admirable.

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noun

1. (used with a plural verb) the brave. courageous people, collectively.

   the land of the free and the home of the brave.

2. Sometimes Offensive. a warrior, especially among North American Indian tribes.

3. Obsolete.

   1. a bully.

   2. a boast or challenge.

verb (used with object)

braved, braving

1. to meet or face courageously.

   to brave misfortunes.

2. to defy; challenge; dare.

3. Obsolete. to make splendid.

verb (used without object)

braved, braving

1. Obsolete. to boast; brag.

brave British  

/ breɪv /

adjective

1. 1. having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring; not cowardly or timid

   2. ( as collective noun preceded by the )

      the brave

2. fine; splendid

   a brave sight

   a brave attempt

3. archaic excellent or admirable

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noun

1. a warrior of a Native American tribe

2. an obsolete word for bully 1

verb

1. to dare or defy

   to brave the odds

2. to confront with resolution or courage

   to brave the storm

3. obsolete to make splendid, esp in dress

Sensitive Note

See powwow.

Related Words

Brave, courageous, valiant, fearless, gallant refer to confident bearing in the face of difficulties or dangers. Brave is the most comprehensive: it is especially used of that confident fortitude or daring that actively faces and endures anything threatening. Courageous implies a higher or nobler kind of bravery, especially as resulting from an inborn quality of mind or spirit that faces or endures perils or difficulties without fear and even with enthusiasm. Valiant implies a correspondence between an inner courageousness and external deeds, particularly of physical strength or endurance. Fearless implies unflinching spirit and coolness in the face of danger. Gallant implies a chivalrous, impetuous, or dashing bravery.

Other Word Forms

• bravely adverb
• braveness noun
• bravery noun
• overbrave adjective
• overbravely adverb
• overbraveness noun
• quasi-brave adjective
• quasi-bravely adverb
• superbrave adjective
• superbravely adverb
• superbraveness noun
• unbrave adjective
• unbraved adjective
• unbravely adverb
• unbraveness noun

Etymology

Origin of brave

First recorded in 1475–85; from Middle French, from Spanish bravo, either from Italian or directly from unattested Vulgar Latin brabus for Latin barbarus barbarous

Example Sentences

“You’re so brave yourself, I cannot bear to ever let you down.”

From Literature

Now protesters are braving arrest or bullets as they demand not just changes in policy, but the downfall of the Islamic Republic itself.

From The Wall Street Journal

Luckily, Emily Blunt wasn’t just brave enough to turn in a decent performance in one of last year’s worst movies, but so strong-willed she called out this awful trend.

From Salon

McLaughlin said the “brave officer,” who has not been identified, lived at the apartment complex and was “protecting his community.”

From Los Angeles Times

Called 120 Bahadur – Hindi for brave hearts – the film tells the story of Indian soldiers who fought valiantly to defend the Rezang La pass in the freezing Himalayan mountains of Ladakh.

From BBC

Related Words

• adventurous
• audacious
• confident
• courageous
• daring
• dashing
• fearless
• foolhardy
• gallant
• gutsy
• heroic
• reckless
• resolute
• spirited
• spunky
• stout
• strong
• valiant