courageous

[ kuh-rey-juhs ]

adjective

1. possessing or characterized by courage; brave:

   a courageous speech against the dictator.

courageous

/ kəˈreɪdʒəs /

adjective

1. possessing or expressing courage

Derived Forms

• couˈrageously, adverb
• couˈrageousness, noun

Other Words From

• cou·rageous·ly adverb
• cou·rageous·ness noun
• uncou·rageous adjective
• uncou·rageous·ly adverb
• uncou·rageous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courageous¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English corageous, from Anglo-French curajous, Old French corageus, from corage courage + -eus -eous

Synonym Study

See brave.

Example Sentences

This courageous act earned him a late-night knock on the door with orders for Serna to vamos from Cuba.

From The Daily Beast

I still wonder what my wife thinks about her big courageous man coming home shaken, seeing my tears for the first time.

From The Daily Beast

That was a much harder and more courageous decision than is recognized by those who oppose this opera.

From The Daily Beast

On Nov. 1, when Brittany ends her short but productive life, I will be thanking God for her remarkable and courageous example.

From The Daily Beast

The men who killed these courageous workers committed a heinous crime.

From The Daily Beast

She chatted freely, discoursed on almost every topic, and during it all he saw what a wonderfully courageous woman she was.

From Project Gutenberg

None knew better than Victoria the value and rarity of a free and courageous soul.

From Project Gutenberg

The Virginia Assembly rewarded Pharaoh for his courageous act by giving him complete freedom.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a true saying that, if there were no dames nor damsels in the world, men would be less courageous.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a man of eminently fair character, upright, courageous and independent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adventurous
• audacious
• daring
• fearless
• gallant
• gutsy
• heroic
• resolute
• strong
• tenacious
• tough
• valiant