bravery
AmericanRelated Words
See courage.
Other Word Forms
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.
Speaking outside court, Det Con Elle MacLeod from Gloucestershire Police commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and for the way she "fearlessly gave evidence" in front of the jury.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
During my visit to New York, my wife and I will again pay our respects to the victims, the families, and the bravery shown in the face of terrible loss.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the "extraordinary bravery and genuine devotion" of North Korean troops in a letter to Kim that was published by KCNA.
From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026
“I Swear” is a film that was made with a lot of bravery and heart.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026
He touted their bravery and vowed that if war came, Polish soldiers would not give the Germans who dared to invade so much "as a button from their uniforms."
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
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.
