Word
courage
US/ˈkɝədʒ/
UK/kˈʌɹɪdʒ/
Definitions
01bravery in the face of fear
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability to do something that frightens you.
n. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear; bravery.
日本語:勇気※
“It took a lot of courage for her to stand up and speak in front of the large crowd.”
“The young firefighter showed incredible courage when he entered the collapsing building to search for survivors before the roof gave way.”
Usage
uncountable noun; often used with the verbs 'have', 'show', or 'find'.
02moral strength
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the strength to do what you believe is right, even if others disagree or it is difficult.
n. moral fortitude; the ability to maintain one's will or intent despite adversity, frustration, or social pressure.
日本語:勇気※
“He had the courage to admit he was wrong even though he knew he would be punished.”
“Whistleblowers often require significant moral courage to expose corporate malpractice, knowing that their careers and reputations may be at risk.”
Usage
often referred to as 'moral courage' to distinguish it from physical bravery.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “courage” in context.
Verb
01. lack the courage
“Many people want to start their own business but lack the courage to take the initial risk.”
verb + noun
02. pluck up the courage
“He finally plucked up the courage to ask her out on a date.”
verb + noun
03. summon the courage
“It took her several minutes to summon the courage to knock on the manager's door.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. moral courage
“It takes great moral courage to stand up for what is right when everyone else disagrees.”
adj + noun
05. remarkable courage
“The young firefighters showed remarkable courage when they entered the burning building.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. display of courage
“The soldier was awarded a medal for his extraordinary display of courage during the rescue mission.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
07. with courage
“She faced her long illness with courage and a positive attitude.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Four years later he plucked up the courage to ring him up, and after several more calls they met in person and eventually Prince Laurent suggested they take a DNA test.” “It is a masterclass in inventiveness, playfulness and creative courage.” Etymology
From Middle English corage, from Old French corage (French courage), from Vulgar Latin *corāticum, from Latin cor (“heart”). Distantly related to cardiac (“of the heart”), which is from Greek, but from the same Proto-Indo-European root. Displaced Middle English elne, ellen, from Old English ellen (“courage, valor”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/courage
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0