ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bravery

n. uncountable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈbɹeɪvɝi// UK //bɹˈeɪvəɹi// brav·ery Archaic

n. the quality of being able to face danger or pain without showing fear. You show this when you do something difficult even though you are scared.

n. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear. Often used to describe heroic actions or moral strength.


SIMPLE

The firefighter showed great bravery during the rescue.

CONTEXTUAL

It took a lot of bravery for the witness to stand up in court and tell the truth.

COMPLEX

While physical bravery is often celebrated on the battlefield, the quiet bravery of those who challenge social injustice is equally vital for a healthy society.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French braverie, from braver (“to brave”), or Italian braveria, from bravare (“to brave”). By surface analysis, brave + -ery.

Usage

Uncountable in its abstract sense; occasionally used with 'of' to describe a specific act.

© 2026 English Reference