Bravado: meaning, definitions and examples

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bravado

 

[ brəˈvɑː.dəʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

showing off

Bravado is a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate. It often involves exaggerated confidence or courage, sometimes to mask fear or insecurity.

Synonyms

bluster, cockiness, swagger

Examples of usage

  • He strutted around the room with bravado, trying to appear confident in front of his peers.
  • Her bravado was just a façade to hide her true feelings of doubt and uncertainty.
  • The bravado of the young boy quickly disappeared when faced with a real challenge.
Context #2 | Noun

music

Bravado is also a term used in music to describe a piece that requires a display of technical skill and virtuosity, often showcasing the performer's abilities.

Synonyms

flair, flamboyance, showmanship

Examples of usage

  • The pianist's bravado during the concerto impressed the audience with his mastery of the instrument.
  • She tackled the challenging piece with bravado, demonstrating her talent and precision.

Translations

Translations of the word "bravado" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bravata

🇮🇳 दिखावा

🇩🇪 Prahlerei

🇮🇩 pameran

🇺🇦 бравада

🇵🇱 brawura

🇯🇵 虚勢 (kyosei)

🇫🇷 fanfaronnade

🇪🇸 fanfarronería

🇹🇷 gösteriş

🇰🇷 허세 (heose)

🇸🇦 تبجح

🇨🇿 chvástání

🇸🇰 chvastúnstvo

🇨🇳 虚张声势 (xūzhāngshēngshì)

🇸🇮 bahatost

🇮🇸 grobb

🇰🇿 мақтаншақтық

🇬🇪 ქედმაღლობა (kedmaghloba)

🇦🇿 lovğalıq

🇲🇽 fanfarronería

Etymology

The word 'bravado' originated from the Spanish word 'bravada', meaning 'brave'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-16th century. Initially, it was used to describe a show of bravery or courage, but over time, it has evolved to also encompass a sense of exaggerated confidence or boldness. Bravado is often associated with a display of strength or prowess, whether genuine or merely for show.

See also: braveheart, bravely, braver, bravery, braving.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,306, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.