Definition
n. great bravery or courage, especially when someone puts themselves in danger to help others. It is the quality that makes someone a hero.
n. great bravery or self-sacrifice, typically displayed in the face of danger or adversity. Refers to the qualities or conduct characteristic of a hero.
Examples
“The firefighter received a medal for his heroism during the blaze.”
“The documentary explores the quiet heroism of ordinary citizens who risked their lives to hide refugees during the war.”
“While we often associate heroism with grand physical feats on the battlefield, it can also manifest as the moral courage required to speak truth to power in a repressive society.”
Examples
simple
“The firefighter received a medal for his heroism during the blaze.”
contextual
“The documentary explores the quiet heroism of ordinary citizens who risked their lives to hide refugees during the war.”
complex
“While we often associate heroism with grand physical feats on the battlefield, it can also manifest as the moral courage required to speak truth to power in a repressive society.”
Usage
Typically used in the abstract sense and does not take a plural form.
Etymology
From French héroïsme, equivalent to hero + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/heroism
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0