bravery
AmericanSynonym Usage
See courage.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of bravery
First recorded in 1540–50; probably from Italian braveria; equivalent to brave + -ery
Compare meaning
How does bravery compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Bravery is the admirable quality of being able to confront frightening things. It takes bravery for a knight to battle a dragon, but it also takes bravery for a shy child to walk into a new classroom. You can also call bravery courage or valor. Firefighters are often acknowledged for their bravery, but everyday people also act with bravery if they confront their fears. Even though you're scared when you jump out of the plane with your skydiving instructor, the fact that you're doing it at all takes real bravery. It also takes bravery to pet a friend's German shepherd, especially if you are afraid of dogs. The earliest meaning of bravery was closer to bravado: "daring, defiance, and boasting."
Vocabulary lists containing bravery
"Saying Yes" and "A Lion Hunt"
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Part 1 Vocabulary (Unit 5)
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Scott will receive one of six bravery medals as part of the Australian Bravery Decorations honours list, recognising those who put themselves in danger during the tragedy.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
"From different parts of Australia, and around the world, these Bravery honourees are characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances," Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn said.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
Bravery, Lucas is learning, is like a muscle: something you train “little by little to strengthen.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026
Hussein al-Umari was awarded a New Zealand Bravery Star, for standing up to Tarrant.
From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026
Bravery makes nothing, protects nothing, results in nothing.
From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
