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.
I think that to realize that you’re queer in the early 2000s when there were no role models and everybody was so homophobic, it really took an act of bravery.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026
Mboladinga said his performance is intended to remind Congolese people of the bravery and sacrifices Lumumba made on behalf of his country.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026
In a statement, the Diocese of Carlisle said it recognised the bravery of Steve Hindley and his "vital work in ensuring victims' and survivors' voices are not lost".
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
"As part of my consideration of the case, I read the victim statements", Lord Hermer said, praising "the bravery of those girls" for "putting themselves through the ordeal of a trial".
From BBC • May 30, 2026
“She was instrumental in saving the lives of many Americans and Filipinos. By her outstanding courage and bravery, Mrs. Guerrero made a distinct contribution to the cause of freedom,” Representative Morrison states.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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.
