valiant

[val-yuhnt]

adjective

1. boldly courageous; brave; stout-hearted.

   a valiant soldier.

   Synonyms: dauntless, valorous

2. marked by or showing bravery or valor; heroic.

   to make a valiant effort.

3. worthy; excellent.

valiant

/ ˈvæljənt /

adjective

1. courageous, intrepid, or stout-hearted; brave

2. marked by bravery or courage

   a valiant deed

Other Word Forms

• valiantly adverb
• valiantness noun
• overvaliant adjective
• overvaliantness noun
• unvaliant adjective
• unvaliantness noun
• valiance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of valiant¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English valia(u)nt, from Anglo-French; Middle French vaillant, present participle of valoir “to be of worth,” Latin valēre; -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of valiant¹

C14: from Old French vaillant, from valoir to be of value, from Latin valēre to be strong

Synonym Study

See brave.

Example Sentences

The nation of Braveheart alternated exclusively between valiant defeat and abject humiliation.

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“I see two valiant young men with Ghanaian blood in them.”

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But Mr. Thein’s harried, good-humored attempt to keep up with the title cards’ rapid pace brought additional amusement—and a much deserved ovation for his valiant efforts.

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When pressed to elaborate, Jeffries said “the overwhelming majority of Senate Democrats led by Chuck Schumer waged a valiant fight,” and turned his disapproval to the Democrats who voted with Republicans on the bill.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If not entirely successful, it’s still a fascinating take on how we put rock stars on screen and a valiant attempt to understand how they make the music that moves us.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• courageous 
• fearless 
• gallant 
• gutsy 
• heroic 
• indomitable 
• intrepid 
• noble 
• plucky 
• stout 
• strong-willed 
• vigorous