# courageous

/kɝˈeɪdʒəs/ (US) · /kʌɹˈeɪdʒəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/courageous
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. brave person

adjective · CEFR B2

brave and determined, even when a situation is scary or difficult.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. brave action

adjective · CEFR B2

describes an action or decision that is difficult to make because it involves risk.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The courageous firefighter ran into the burning building.
- It was a courageous decision to quit her stable job and start her own business during the economic crisis.
- History remembers those courageous individuals who stood against systemic injustice, often risking their personal safety to advocate for the fundamental rights of others.

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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.