noun
bravado
brah-VAH-doh
noun
1
A bold, showy display of courage that is often not entirely genuine.
"His bravado faded the moment the interview actually started."
"She spoke with a bravado that hid how nervous she really was."
How to Use Bravado
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPutting on a show of confidence or courage that may be covering up fear or doubt.
Common mistake
Bravado suggests a performance of courage, unlike genuine bravery, which is the real thing.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sheer bravado
macho bravado
Word Forms
bravadoed past tense, bravados plural, bravadoes plural, bravados singular
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His _____ faded the moment the interview actually started.
Etymology
From French bravade, ultimately from Italian bravare ("to brag, to boast") — related to bravo and brave.