bravery
BRAY-vuh-ree
Bravery (noun) means the quality of facing danger, pain, or difficulty without giving in to fear. Example: “He was awarded a medal for bravery during the rescue.”
noun
1
The quality of facing danger, pain, or difficulty without giving in to fear.
"He was awarded a medal for bravery during the rescue."
"It took real bravery to admit she was wrong."
"The firefighters showed great bravery when they entered the burning building."
How to use bravery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCourage — the quality of being brave.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
act of bravery
medal for bravery
show bravery
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Word forms
- Plural
- braveries
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Can you complete this real example?
He was awarded a medal for _____ during the rescue.
Etymology
From French braverie, from braver ("to brave"), related to brave.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bravery
See all rhymes for bravery →Frequently asked questions
What does “bravery” mean?
The word “bravery” means the quality of facing danger, pain, or difficulty without giving in to fear. In plain terms, courage — the quality of being brave.
How do you pronounce “bravery”?
“Bravery” is pronounced BRAY-vuh-ree (/ˈbɹeɪ.və.ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “bravery” in a sentence?
Here is “bravery” used in a sentence: “He was awarded a medal for bravery during the rescue.”
What is another word for “bravery”?
Words with a similar meaning to “bravery” include braveness, courageousness, fearlessness, courage, pluck and valor.
What part of speech is “bravery”?
“Bravery” is a noun.
Where does the word “bravery” come from?
The word “bravery” comes from French. From French braverie, from braver ("to brave"), related to brave.
Is “bravery” a common word?
“Bravery” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between bravery and courage?
Bravery and courage are closely related, both describing the quality of facing danger, pain, or difficulty without giving in to fear, and are often used interchangeably. Some usage treats bravery as more instinctive or physical, while courage can also apply to moral or emotional difficulty, though the overlap is significant.
What is the difference between bravery and bravado?
Bravery is the genuine quality of facing danger without giving in to fear, while bravado is an outward, often exaggerated display of confidence that may not reflect true inner courage. Bravado can mask fear, whereas bravery describes the real trait.
Is bravery the same as heroism?
Bravery is the underlying quality of facing danger without fear, while heroism typically refers to bravery expressed through notable actions that help or protect others. Heroism implies a public, often selfless act, whereas bravery can be a private or internal quality.
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