Word
courageous
Phoneticscoura·geous
US/kɝˈeɪdʒəs/
UK/kʌɹˈeɪdʒəs/
Definitions
01brave person
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. brave and determined, even when a situation is scary or difficult.
adj. possessing or displaying courage; showing mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
“The courageous firefighter ran into the burning building to save the family.”
“She was a courageous leader who remained calm and decisive even when the company faced its most significant financial crisis.”
02brave action
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describes an action or decision that is difficult to make because it involves risk.
adj. characterised by courage; used to describe actions, decisions, or efforts that require significant bravery or moral fortitude.
“It was a courageous decision to quit his job and start his own business.”
“The journalist made a courageous stand against government censorship, despite knowing the personal risks involved in publishing the report.”
Real-World Examples
“The physiotherapist from Manchester died after “a long and courageous battle with cancer”, relatives said.” “Is Maresca courageous for following The Man or naive for believing he can?” Etymology
From Middle English corajous, from Old French corageus, from corage + -eus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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