# brave

/ˈbɹeɪv/ (US) · /bɹˈeɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/brave
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. courageous

adjective · CEFR B1

showing courage when you are in a situation that is dangerous, difficult, or painful.

For teachers: possessing or displaying courage; able to face danger, pain, or misfortune without showing fear.

- It was very brave of her to speak up against the unfair rules.
- The young firefighter was praised for his brave actions during the rescue operation, despite the structural instability of the burning building.

### 2. unwise or risky

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English · Humorous

a polite or funny way to say that someone is being a bit foolish or taking a big risk.

For teachers: used euphemistically or ironically to describe a decision that is perceived as reckless or likely to fail.

- That is a brave choice of outfit for such a formal wedding.
- The minister described the proposed policy as a brave move, which everyone in the room understood as a polite way of calling it political suicide.

### 3. to face something difficult

verb · CEFR B2

to deal with something difficult or unpleasant in a direct and courageous way.

For teachers: to endure or face unpleasant conditions or a difficult challenge with fortitude.

- We decided to brave the snow and walk to the grocery store.
- The small fishing vessel had to brave the Atlantic gales for three days before reaching the safety of the harbour.

Usage: This is a transitive verb that always takes a direct object.

### 4. a warrior

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

an old word for a Native American warrior.

For teachers: a term formerly used to refer to a North American Indian warrior.

- The old stories told of a young brave who saved his village.
- Nineteenth-century frontier novels often depicted the Sioux braves as formidable and highly skilled tactical opponents.

Teaching tip: This term is considered dated and can be seen as offensive or stereotypical in modern contexts; use 'warrior' or specific tribal names instead.

## Examples

- The brave firefighter ran into the building to save the cat.
- It was a brave decision to quit her stable job and start her own business in such a competitive market.
- History often remembers the brave individuals who stood against systemic injustice, even when their actions carried the heavy risk of social exile or physical harm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.