valorous
AmericanOther Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of valorous
First recorded in 1470–80; from Medieval Latin valorōsus “valiant,” from Latin valor “worth, honor” + -ōsus adjective suffix; see origin at valor, -ous
Explanation
To be valorous is to show valor: to be valiant and courageous. Valor is a word for courage, like the courage to pull a child out of a burning building. People who show the quality of valor are valorous. War heroes are valorous. A parent who sacrifices a lot for their children is valorous. In superhero movies, the lead characters are valorous, as they overcome the odds to save the day. This is a strong word for actions that are truly heroic. Valorous actions are rare and worthy of great respect.
Vocabulary lists containing valorous
A Farewell To Arms
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Words to Describe a Hero or Heroine
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The Wind in the Willows
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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.
The conciliatory narrative that emerged from 1876 painted veterans, North and South, as noble, valorous brothers.
From Salon ● Jan. 3, 2026
Much of the event on Wednesday was focused on Anderson’s valorous sacrifice, and rightly so.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2024
We’re a nation that so often sees suffering as valorous, preferring to evoke notions of “Blitz spirit” rather than addressing structural inequalities.
From Slate ● Jan. 14, 2023
A decade later, an aide to Sen. Charles Schumer of New York discovered a previously unknown 1918 memorandum from Gen. John Pershing describing Johnson’s valorous performance in the field.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 12, 2022
“That doesn’t matter. Look how you are wounded. Look at your valorous conduct in asking to go always to the first line. Besides, the operation was successful.”
From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway
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.
