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courage

[kur-ij, kuhr-]
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noun
  1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
  2. Obsolete. the heart as the source of emotion.
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Idioms
  1. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.
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Origin of courage

1250–1300; Middle English corage < Old French, equivalent to cuer heart (< Latin cor; see heart) + -age -age

Synonyms

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1. fearlessness, dauntlessness, intrepidity, pluck, spirit.

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.

Antonyms

1. cowardice.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for courages

Historical Examples

  • Remember that victorie is not gotten with the multitudes of men, but with the courages of hearts, and valiantnesse of minds.

    Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (3 of 6): England (6 of 9)

    Raphael Holinshed

  • This, added to all the rest, do lay us flat in our hopes and courages, every body prophesying destruction to the nation.

British Dictionary definitions for courages

courage

noun
  1. the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc
  2. the courage of one's convictions the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs
  3. take one's courage in both hands to nerve oneself to perform an action
  4. obsolete mind; disposition; spirit
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Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for courages

courage

n.

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."

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with courages

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)
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.