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Courageous: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿฆธ
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courageous

[หˆkสŒrษชdส’ษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

brave

having or showing courage; brave

Synonyms

bold, brave, fearless, intrepid, valiant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
courageous

Used to describe someone who consistently shows courage in facing dangers or difficulties, often with moral or mental strength.

  • She made a courageous decision to speak out against the injustice
brave

Commonly used to describe showing personal courage and a willingness to face and endure danger or pain.

  • The firefighters were brave in their efforts to save the trapped civilians
fearless

Describes someone who appears to have no fear and is willing to confront danger or challenges head-on.

  • She was fearless in her pursuit of the truth
valiant

Associated with showing extraordinary courage, often in face of significant danger; it can have a noble or heroic connotation.

  • The knight was valiant in his quest to protect the kingdom
bold

Often used to describe someone who takes risks or is willing to face danger bravely, sometimes in a way that can be seen as daring or audacious.

  • He made a bold move by proposing the radical plan
intrepid

Often used to describe someone who is adventurous and very brave, especially in the face of new or unknown challenges.

  • The intrepid explorer ventured into the uncharted territories

Examples of usage

  • She was a courageous woman who never backed down from a challenge.
  • The firefighters displayed courageous acts of bravery during the rescue mission.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'couragium', which is derived from 'cor' meaning 'heart', reflecting the bravery found in the heart.
  • In Middle English, 'courage' described the quality of being bold or brave, and over time evolved to today's form.
  • The Old French word 'corageux' also influenced the modern usage, emphasizing someone's spirit or inner strength.

Literature

  • Many literary heroes, such as Harry Potter, exemplify courage by facing fears, which helps them grow throughout their journeys.
  • Courage is often a central theme in classic tales like 'The Lion's Heart', showcasing the transformation from fear to bravery.
  • Authors like Maya Angelou often wrote about personal courage, highlighting real-life struggles and the strength to overcome adversity.

Psychology

  • Research in psychology shows that being courageous can significantly enhance mental health, helping reduce anxiety and promote well-being.
  • Facing fears is often part of therapeutic approaches, where individuals practice being courageous in safe environments.
  • Studies reveal that acts of courage, big or small, can lead to feelings of accomplishment and increase self-esteem.

Pop Culture

  • Courage is celebrated in movies, like 'The Wizard of Oz', where the Cowardly Lion seeks courage to become brave.
  • Video games often feature courageous characters, such as Link in 'The Legend of Zelda', who embarks on dangerous quests.
  • In music, anthems like 'Fight Song' inspire listeners to embrace their courageous spirit and fight through challenges.

History

  • Historical figures like Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela are often remembered for their courageous acts of standing up against injustice.
  • Throughout history, many soldiers have exhibited tremendous courage on battlefields, often being celebrated for their bravery in the face of danger.
  • The concept of courage was highly valued in ancient civilizations, such as Greece and Rome, influencing their heroic narratives and warrior cultures.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,848, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.