courage

[kur-ij, kuhr-]

noun

1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

   Synonyms: spirit, pluck, intrepidity, dauntlessness, fearlessness
   Antonyms: cowardice

2. Obsolete.,  the heart as the source of emotion.

courage

/ ˈkʌrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc

2. the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs

3. to nerve oneself to perform an action

4. obsolete,  mind; disposition; spirit

Word History and Origins

Origin of courage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English corage, from Old French, equivalent to cuer “heart” (from Latin cor; heart ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of courage¹

C13: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

More idioms and phrases containing courage

• Dutch courage
• pluck up (one's courage)

Synonym Study

Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear: to take (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness: bravery in a battle. Valor implies heroic courage: valor in fighting for the right. Bravado is now usually a boastful and ostentatious pretense of courage or bravery: empty bravado.

Example Sentences

Yet, instead of recognising that courage, much of the public reads it as provocation.

From BBC

"If we as footballers had the courage to protest against certain things with the power that we have, I'm telling you the world would be a complete different place."

From BBC

The awards are given out to people in recognition of their courage and bravery in the face of danger.

From BBC

History was made, and the Free Speech Movement born through the most American of traits — courage, passion and the invincibility of youth.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Daulby's family, said he "lost his life in the act of courage to save others" and his final act "was one of profound courage and he will forever be remembered".

From BBC

Related Words

• audacity 
• bravery 
• daring 
• determination 
• endurance 
• fearlessness www.thesaurus.com
• firmness www.thesaurus.com
• fortitude 
• gallantry 
• grit 
• heroism 
• prowess 
• spirit 
• spunk 
• tenacity 
• valor 

When To Use

What does courage mean?

Courage is the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain.A close synonym is bravery. Showing courage is often thought of as facing such situations without fear, but it also involves facing them despite fear. In other words, someone who has courage might not be fearless, but they face the dangerous, difficult, or frightening situation anyway.The adjective courageous means having, showing, or done with courage. It can be used to describe people who have courage, or the actions of such people when they face negative situations resolutely. A close synonym is brave.Example: We should all show our appreciation for the courage of our first responders, who face danger every day but still, somehow, decide to show up and put the wellbeing of other people before their own safety.