courageous
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
What does courageous mean? Courageous means having, showing, or done with courage—the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain. Courageous 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. Being courageous is often thought of as facing such situations without fear, but it also involves facing them despite fear. In other words, someone who’s courageous might not be fearless, but they face the dangerous, difficult, or frightening situation anyway. Example: I especially want to thank our courageous 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.
Synonym Usage
See brave.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of courageous
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English corageous, from Anglo-French curajous, Old French corageus, from corage courage + -eus -eous
Explanation
If you are a courageous person, you face danger or stand up against the odds without flinching. Known as "The Man without Fear," Daredevil is regarded as a very courageous superhero. The adjective courageous derives from the Old French word corage, meaning "heart, innermost feelings, or temper." In fairytales, the courageous knight battles the fire breathing dragon to save the princess. In recognition of their courageous actions, soldiers who have been wounded or killed while serving are given the Purple Heart medal.
Vocabulary lists containing courageous
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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.
Over the past two weeks, Cornell University has faced a very public and very courageous rebellion, similar to the one Cassie attempts to mount in “Promising Young Woman.”
From Salon ● Oct. 2, 2026
"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer," said Martin Miklosko.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
He praised Damascus's "courageous decision" to report the undisclosed site, which dates back to the rule of al-Assad.
From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026
But no revelation is as courageous or groundbreaking as Panettiere’s description of her experience with postpartum depression.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
I decided to grit my teeth and practice being courageous.
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
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.
