VocabDictionary

courageous

/kəˈreɪ.dʒəs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Possessing or characterized by the ability to face danger, difficulty, or pain without showing fear.

Example Sentences:
  • The courageous firefighter rushed into the burning building to save the trapped family.
  • It was a courageous decision to speak out against the corruption despite the personal risks involved.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “courageous”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'corage', which comes from the Latin 'cor' meaning 'heart'. The suffix '-ous' was added to denote 'full of'. Historically, the heart was considered the seat of human emotion and bravery, thus a 'courageous' person is literally one who is 'full of heart'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a lion with a big 'core' (heart) of gold; he is courageous.

Frequently Asked Questions About “courageous

1. What is the meaning of “courageous” in English?

In English, courageous (adjective) is defined as: “Possessing or characterized by the ability to face danger, difficulty, or pain without showing fear.”.

2. How do you use “courageous” in a sentence?

The courageous firefighter rushed into the burning building to save the trapped family.

3. What are English synonyms of “courageous”?

Common synonyms include:brave,valiant,intrepid,fearless,gallant

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “courageous”?

Derived from the Old French 'corage', which comes from the Latin 'cor' meaning 'heart'. The suffix '-ous' was added to denote 'full of'. Historically, the heart was considered the seat of human emotion and bravery, thus a 'courageous' person is literally one who is 'full of heart'.