ENGLISH
REFERENCE

heroism

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhɛɹoʊˌɪzəm// UK //hˈɛɹəʊˌɪzəm// hero·ism

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

From French héroïsme, equivalent to hero + -ism.

Usage

Typically used in the abstract sense and does not take a plural form.

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