brave
29 synonyms and 10 antonyms for brave, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Willing to face danger, pain, or difficulty without giving in to fear.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use brave
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Italian bravo, of uncertain deeper origin — a doublet of the English word "bravo."
Full origin of brave →Frequently asked questions
What does “brave” mean?
The word “brave” means willing to face danger, pain, or difficulty without giving in to fear. In plain terms, showing courage in the face of fear, danger, or difficulty.
How do you pronounce “brave”?
“Brave” is pronounced brayv (/bɹeɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “brave” in a sentence?
Here is “brave” used in a sentence: “It was brave of her to speak up in front of the whole board.”
What is another word for “brave”?
Words with a similar meaning to “brave” include adventurous, mettlesome, aweless, bad, bold and brass-balled.
What is the opposite of “brave”?
The opposite of “brave” — its antonyms — are afraid, cowardly, cautious, fearful and frightened.
What part of speech is “brave”?
Depending on how it is used, “brave” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “brave” come from?
The word “brave” comes from Italian. From Italian bravo, of uncertain deeper origin — a doublet of the English word "bravo.".
Is “brave” a common word?
“Brave” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "brave" and "courageous"?
Both describe facing danger or difficulty, but "brave" is the broader, more everyday word and often suggests facing immediate physical danger. "Courageous" tends to emphasise deliberate moral strength, such as standing up for a principle despite the cost.
What is the difference between "brave" and "bold"?
"Brave" means willing to face fear, danger, or pain, while "bold" emphasises confidence and a readiness to take risks. A bold person may not feel fear at all, whereas a brave person overcomes it.
How is "brave" used as a verb?
As a verb, "brave" means to face or endure something difficult or dangerous with courage, as in "they braved the storm" or "she braved the crowds." It is usually followed directly by the challenge being faced.
What is the difference between "brave" and "fearless"?
A brave person feels fear but acts in spite of it, while a fearless person feels little or no fear in the first place. "Brave" emphasises courage under pressure, whereas "fearless" emphasises the absence of fear.