adj
Uncommon
valiant
VA-lee-uhnt
Valiant (adj) means showing great courage, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation. Example: “The firefighters made a valiant attempt to reach the trapped family.”
adj
1
Showing great courage, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation.
"The firefighters made a valiant attempt to reach the trapped family."
"Despite the odds, she put up a valiant fight to save the business."
How to use valiant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBrave, especially when the effort is impressive even if it doesn't succeed.
Memory tip
"Valiant" is often paired with attempts or efforts that fail nobly — "a valiant effort" doesn't have to win.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a valiant effort
valiant attempt
fight valiantly
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Word forms
- Plural
- valiants
- Comparative
- more valiant
- Superlative
- most valiant
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The firefighters made a _____ attempt to reach the trapped family.
Etymology
From Old French vaillant, from Latin valere, "to be strong or worth something" — the same root as "value" and "valid".
Related words
Rhymes for valiant
See all rhymes for valiant →Frequently asked questions
What does “valiant” mean?
The word “valiant” means showing great courage, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation. In plain terms, brave, especially when the effort is impressive even if it doesn't succeed.
How do you pronounce “valiant”?
“Valiant” is pronounced VA-lee-uhnt (/ˈvæliənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “valiant” in a sentence?
Here is “valiant” used in a sentence: “The firefighters made a valiant attempt to reach the trapped family.”
What part of speech is “valiant”?
“Valiant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “valiant” come from?
The word “valiant” comes from Latin. From Old French vaillant, from Latin valere, "to be strong or worth something" — the same root as "value" and "valid".
Is “valiant” a common word?
“Valiant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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