brave

[ breyv ]

adjective

, brav·er, brav·est.

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.

noun

1. the brave. (used with a plural verb) 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, brav·ing.

1. to meet or face courageously:

   to brave misfortunes.

2. to defy; challenge; dare.
3. Obsolete. to make splendid.

verb (used without object)

, braved, brav·ing.

1. Obsolete. to boast; brag.

brave

/ 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 attempt

   a brave sight

3. archaic.
   excellent or admirable

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.

Derived Forms

• ˈbraveness, noun
• ˈbravery, noun
• ˈbravely, adverb

Other Words From

• brave·ly adverb
• brave·ness noun
• o·ver·brave adjective
• o·ver·brave·ly adverb
• o·ver·brave·ness noun
• qua·si-brave adjective
• qua·si-brave·ly adverb
• su·per·brave adjective
• su·per·brave·ly adverb
• su·per·brave·ness noun
• un·brave adjective
• un·brave·ly adverb
• un·brave·ness noun
• un·braved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brave¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of brave¹

C15: from French, from Italian bravo courageous, wild, perhaps ultimately from Latin barbarus barbarous

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

“We hope there will be somebody brave enough to take it,” Abraham said.

From Los Angeles Times

One woman brandished a Georgian flag as she braved a stream of water cannon, while another walked headlong into a barricade of police standing behind riot shields.

From BBC

The U-turn saw jubilation from protesters who had braved freezing temperatures to keep vigil.

From BBC

Benny Gantz, a prominent member of Israel’s political opposition, said Mr. Trump’s statement was “powerful and important,” and that it was now “time for our brave actions.”

From New York Times

I found myself having to be very specific in those scenes as I was writing them because I know I had to ask actors to be brave enough to perform it.

From Salon

Related Words

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