courage
[ kur-ij, kuhr- ]
/ ˈkɜr ɪdʒ, ˈkʌr- /
noun
the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
Obsolete. the heart as the source of emotion.
RELATED CONTENT
RELATED WORDS
fearlessness, spunk, grit, daring, endurance, tenacity, audacity, heroism, determination, firmness, prowess, valor, fortitude, spirit, bravery, gallantry, nerve, backbone, intrepidity, power
Nearby words
- coupon rate,
- couponer,
- couponing,
- coups,
- coupé,
- courage of one's convictions, have the,
- courageous,
- courageously,
- courant,
- courante
Idioms
have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.
Origin of courage
SYNONYMS FOR courage
Synonym study
1. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for courage
courage
/ (ˈkʌrɪdʒ) /
noun
the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc
the courage of one's convictions the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs
take one's courage in both hands to nerve oneself to perform an action
obsolete mind; disposition; spirit
Word Origin for courage
C13: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
courage
c.1300, from Old French corage (12c., Modern French courage) "heart, innermost feelings; temper," from Vulgar Latin *coraticum (source of Italian coraggio, Spanish coraje), from Latin cor "heart" (see heart) which remains a common metaphor for inner strength.
In Middle English, used broadly for "what is in one's mind or thoughts," hence "bravery," but also "wrath, pride, confidence, lustiness," or any sort of inclination. Replaced Old English ellen, which also meant "zeal, strength."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
courage
In addition to the idiom beginning with courage
- courage of one's convictions, have the
also see:
- Dutch courage
- pluck up (one's courage)
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.