valorous

American  

[val-er-uhs] / ˈvæl ər əs /

adjective

1. having valor; courageous; valiant; brave.

2. characterized by valor.

   valorous deeds.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonvalorous adjective
• nonvalorously adverb
• nonvalorousness noun
• unvalorous adjective
• unvalorously adverb
• unvalorousness noun
• valorously adverb
• valorousness noun

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.

Example Sentences

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

At first I thought maybe we were going to get a ribbon or something for our valorous conduct.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland