Word
heroically
Phoneticshero·ical·ly
US/ˌhɪˈɹoʊɪkɫi/
UK/hɪɹˈəʊɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a very brave way, like a hero in a story. You use it when someone does something dangerous to help others.
adv. in a manner displaying courage, self-sacrifice, or noble conduct, especially when facing danger. Often modifies verbs of action, rescue, or endurance.
Examples
“She acts heroically when her friends need help.”
“The lifeguard dived heroically into the rough waves to reach the struggling swimmer.”
“Though exhausted and outnumbered, the firefighters advanced heroically through the smoke to evacuate the trapped residents from the upper floors.”
Examples
simple
“She acts heroically when her friends need help.”
contextual
“The lifeguard dived heroically into the rough waves to reach the struggling swimmer.”
complex
“Though exhausted and outnumbered, the firefighters advanced heroically through the smoke to evacuate the trapped residents from the upper floors.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “heroically” in context.
Verb
01. act heroically
“The nurse acted heroically to save patients during the fire.”
verb + adverb
02. defend heroically
“The goalkeeper defended heroically to keep his team in the match.”
verb + adverb
03. die heroically
“The captain died heroically while rescuing passengers from the ship.”
verb + adverb
04. fight heroically
“The soldiers fought heroically to protect the village from attack.”
verb + adverb
05. heroically rescue
“The lifeguard heroically rescued the drowning boy from rough seas.”
adverb + verb
06. heroically sacrifice
“He heroically sacrificed his own safety to help the injured hikers.”
adverb + verb
07. heroically save
“She heroically saved her neighbour from the burning house.”
adverb + verb
08. resist heroically
“The town resisted heroically against the enemy invasion for weeks.”
verb + adverb
09. struggle heroically
“The climbers struggled heroically to survive the sudden storm.”
verb + adverb
10. act heroically under pressure
“She acted heroically under pressure and saved the child from the fire.”
11. die heroically saving others
“The firefighter died heroically saving others from the burning building.”
12. fight heroically to defend
“The troops fought heroically to defend the town from invasion.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“After Ms Henrys alerted the rest of the street and called the emergency services, she said her neighbours "heroically" climbed a ladder to rescue the trapped family.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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