Brave: meaning, definitions and examples

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brave

[breɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

courageous

Ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.

Synonyms

courageous, fearless, heroic, valiant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brave	Used to describe someone who faces fear or danger with confidence. Suitable for everyday situations and general descriptions of daring actions. The firefighter was very brave to enter the burning building. It was brave of you to stand up to the bully.
courageous	Often used in more formal contexts or descriptions, implying a deeper level of inner strength and moral conviction. The soldier was honored for his courageous acts during the battle. She made a courageous decision to leave her comfortable job and start her own business.
valiant	Usually used in literary or historical contexts to describe brave actions, often with a sense of nobility and honor. The knight made a valiant attempt to defend the castle. Despite the overwhelming odds, their valiant defense held strong.
fearless	Describes someone who acts without any fear. This word can sometimes have a connotation of recklessness. The fearless adventurer climbed the highest peak in the region. She is fearless when it comes to trying new things.
heroic	Used to describe actions or people that display heroism, often in extraordinary or larger-than-life situations. The doctor's heroic efforts saved many lives during the epidemic. His heroic deeds are the stuff of legend.

Examples of usage

She was a brave woman who fought for justice.
Despite the danger, he bravely rescued the child from the burning building.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

endure

To face or endure with courage; to defy.

Synonyms

bear, confront, defy, face.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
brave	Used to describe someone who shows courage and faces danger, fear, or difficulty without retreating. She was brave enough to dive into the deep water to save the child. The firefighters were very brave during the forest fire.
face	Used to describe dealing with a problem, challenge, or something unpleasant directly. It's time to face the reality that we are running out of resources. She had to face many obstacles in her journey to success.
confront	Used when addressing or dealing with a difficult situation, person, or problem directly. The manager had to confront the employee about his poor performance. She decided to confront her fears of public speaking.
bear	Used to describe enduring or withstanding something difficult, often over a longer period. He had to bear the pain of his injury for several months. She could hardly bear the constant noise from the construction site.
defy	Used when openly resisting or refusing to obey an authority or rule; often carries a rebellious connotation. The young protestors decided to defy the curfew imposed by the government. He chose to defy the odds and start his own business despite everyone’s doubts.

Examples of usage

He braved the storm to rescue the stranded hikers.
She braved the criticism to speak out against injustice.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'brave' comes from the Latin word 'bravus,' meaning bold or wild.
In 14th-century French, 'brave' meant 'noble' or 'valued,' showing it has long been associated with respect.
The shift from its original meaning to signifying courage links closely to acts of heroism throughout history.

Pop Culture

Many films depict brave heroes who face fears to protect others, such as The Lion King’s Simba.
In literature, classic characters like Harry Potter demonstrate bravery by standing up to dark forces.
Video games often require players to make brave choices that can lead to victory or sacrifice.

Psychology

Studies show that courage can be cultivated, helping people face fears and overcome anxiety.
Bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it, a concept explored in positive psychology.
Engaging in small acts of bravery can boost self-esteem and lead to greater resilience.

History

Historical figures like Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela are celebrated for their bravery in fighting for equality.
The bravery displayed by soldiers in critical battles often defines national identity and pride.
Acts of bravery in everyday life, like rescuing someone from danger, have inspired countless stories and legends.

Education

Teaching children about bravery involves discussing real-life heroes who overcame obstacles.
Bravery in schools may include standing up to bullies or trying out for teams or clubs.
Many educational programs focus on building a 'growth mindset', where facing fears is seen as part of learning.

Translations

Translations of the word "brave" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corajoso

🇮🇳 साहसी

🇩🇪 mutig

🇮🇩 berani

🇺🇦 сміливий

🇵🇱 odważny

🇯🇵 勇敢な (ゆうかんな)

🇫🇷 courageux

🇪🇸 valiente

🇹🇷 cesur

🇰🇷 용감한 (용감한)

🇸🇦 شجاع

🇨🇿 odvážný

🇸🇰 odvážny

🇨🇳 勇敢的 (yǒnggǎn de)

🇸🇮 pogumen

🇮🇸 hugrakkur

🇰🇿 батыл

🇬🇪 მამაცი

🇦🇿 cəsur

🇲🇽 valiente

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,896, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4893 shipment
4894 conferences
4895 downward
4896 brave
4897 collapse
4898 subscription
4899 ward
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