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

Explanation

Courageous, dauntless, perhaps a little bit daring, a person who is brave faces dangerous or difficult situations with courage. The adjective brave can be used to describe anyone or anything that displays courage, such as a brave firefighter, a brave guide dog, or even brave holiday shoppers. In addition to its adjective form, the word brave can also act as a verb. Use the verb brave when you want to say that someone is facing a dangerous or unpleasant situation courageously: “Only the hardiest skiers were able to brave the icy conditions and complete the course.” Both adjective and verb forms of the word share a common meaning — the sense of having courage or acting fearlessly.

Example Sentences

If fortune favours the brave, will Slot have the courage to start Ngumoha in an attempt to retrieve that deficit when the Champions League holders come to Anfield for Tuesday's second leg?

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

In his message on Sunday, Trump also referred to another operation inside Iran to rescue "another brave pilot ... which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation."

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

That device was most famous for landing its few, brave buyers the moniker “glassholes.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Bath held off a brave effort from Saracens to book their place in the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a thrilling 31-22 win at The Rec.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“A brave child like my son,” Anna had said.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

Related Words

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