English Reference

Word

hero

US/ˈhiɹoʊ/

UK/hˈiəɹəʊ/

Definitions

01brave person

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a person who is admired for their great courage or noble qualities.

n. an individual distinguished by exceptional courage, fortitude, or noble purpose.

“The firefighters were treated as heroes after saving the family from the burning building.”

“The community gathered to honour the local heroes who had risked their lives during the flood to rescue stranded residents.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

02main character

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Theater

n. the main character in a book, movie, or play.

n. the principal male character or protagonist in a literary or dramatic work.

“At the end of the movie, the hero finally defeats his enemy and returns home.”

“Modern novelists often subvert the traditional image of the hero by giving their protagonists significant moral flaws and internal conflicts.”

Synonyms

03large sandwich

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking American English

n. a very large sandwich made on a long loaf of bread.

n. a large sandwich consisting of a long roll split lengthwise and filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

“We ordered a giant Italian hero to share for lunch.”

“The deli is famous for its massive roast beef hero, which is served on a crusty baguette with homemade gravy.”

Synonyms

subhoagiegrinder

04advertising/design

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. the main product or image that is meant to grab your attention.

n. the primary subject of a photograph or the prominent top section of a webpage designed to capture immediate attention.

“The designer placed a hero image of the new car at the top of the website.”

“In food photography, the hero is the specific burger chosen for its perfect appearance, while the others are used only for lighting tests.”

Synonyms

05to highlight

C2 · Proficiency Formal

v. to give someone or something a lot of praise or attention.

v. to celebrate, praise, or bring significant public attention to a person or concept.

“The campaign aims to hero the hard work of everyday teachers.”

“The annual report sought to hero the sustainability initiatives that the company had implemented over the previous fiscal year.”

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “hero” in context.

Verb

01. admire hero

“Many students admire the young hero.”

verb + noun

02. become hero

“He became a hero after he saved the dog.”

verb + noun

03. hero dies

“The hero dies at the end of the sad story.”

noun + verb

04. hero fights

“The hero fights the bad man in the city.”

noun + verb

05. hero saves

“The hero saves the girl at the end of the film.”

noun + verb

06. hero wins

“The hero wins the fight and everyone is happy.”

noun + verb

Adjective

07. brave hero

“The brave hero saved the child from the fire.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. film hero

“Spider-Man is my favourite film hero.”

noun + noun

09. football hero

“He is a football hero for many young fans.”

noun + noun

10. hero of story

“Harry is the hero of the story.”

noun + prep + noun

11. a national hero

“She became a national hero after the Olympic Games.”

12. be a real hero

“You were a real hero when you helped the old man.”

Word family

ADJECTIVE

Related words

Idioms

In Music

Cover of "Heroes" by David Bowie

Cover: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons — RCA Records.

"Heroes" · 1977 · Rock music

Artist:
David Bowie
Album:
"Heroes"

David Bowie recorded this 1977 rock classic in West Berlin during a period of great artistic experimentation. The title refers to the idea of ordinary people becoming brave or significant figures for just one day, even in difficult circumstances. It highlights a figurative sense of the word, focusing on personal triumph rather than traditional mythology.

Domains

CookingFilmPhotography

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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