courage
28 synonyms and 1 antonyms for courage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The ability to face danger, pain, or difficulty without being overcome by 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 courage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French corage, ultimately from Latin cor meaning "heart" — the same root behind "cardiac." The idea is that bravery comes from the heart.
Full origin of courage →Frequently asked questions
What does “courage” mean?
The word “courage” means the ability to face danger, pain, or difficulty without being overcome by fear. In plain terms, being brave enough to do something scary or difficult.
How do you pronounce “courage”?
“Courage” is pronounced KUH-rihj (/ˈkʌ.ɹɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “courage” in a sentence?
Here is “courage” used in a sentence: “It took real courage for her to speak up in front of the whole company.”
What is another word for “courage”?
Words with a similar meaning to “courage” include audacity, balls, bield, boldhead, boldness and bravehood.
What is the opposite of “courage”?
The opposite of “courage” — its antonyms — is cowardice.
What part of speech is “courage”?
“Courage” is a noun.
Where does the word “courage” come from?
The word “courage” comes from Latin. From Old French corage, ultimately from Latin cor meaning "heart" — the same root behind "cardiac." The idea is that bravery comes from the heart.
Is “courage” a common word?
“Courage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "courage" and "bravery"?
The two are close, but "courage" often stresses the inner strength to face fear, danger, or hardship, including moral or emotional challenges. "Bravery" more often describes the outward, visible show of fearlessness in the face of physical danger.
What is the difference between "courage" and "confidence"?
"Courage" is the ability to face danger, pain, or difficulty despite fear. "Confidence" is a feeling of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities, which does not require any danger or fear to be present.
What is the difference between "courage" and "recklessness"?
"Courage" means facing danger while aware of the risk and choosing to act anyway. "Recklessness" means acting without proper regard for danger or consequences, so it lacks the judgement that true courage involves.