Courageous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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courageous
[ˈkʌrɪdʒəs ]
Definition
brave
having or showing courage; brave
Synonyms
bold, brave, fearless, intrepid, valiant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| courageous |
Used to describe someone who consistently shows courage in facing dangers or difficulties, often with moral or mental strength.
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| brave |
Commonly used to describe showing personal courage and a willingness to face and endure danger or pain.
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| fearless |
Describes someone who appears to have no fear and is willing to confront danger or challenges head-on.
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| valiant |
Associated with showing extraordinary courage, often in face of significant danger; it can have a noble or heroic connotation.
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| 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.
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| intrepid |
Often used to describe someone who is adventurous and very brave, especially in the face of new or unknown challenges.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'courageous'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'courageous' originated from the Old French word 'corageus', which was derived from the Latin word 'coraticum'. The Latin word 'coraticum' comes from 'cor', meaning heart. This reflects the idea that courage comes from the heart, showing bravery and strength of character.
See also: courage, courageously, discourage, discouraged, discouragement, encourage.