bravado

[ bruh-vah-doh ]

noun

, plural bra·va·does, bra·va·dos.

1. a pretentious, swaggering display of courage.

   Synonyms: braggadocio, bombast, bluster, brag

bravado

/ brəˈvɑːdəʊ /

noun

1. vaunted display of courage or self-confidence; swagger

Other Words From

• over·bra·vado noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bravado¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Spanish bravada (now bravata, from Italian ), equivalent to brav(o) “brave” + -ada noun suffix; brave, -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bravado¹

C16: from Spanish bravada (modern bravata ), from Old Italian bravare to challenge, provoke, from bravo wild, brave

Synonym Study

See courage.

Example Sentences

However, he says, they should not be presumed to be cannon fodder - adding such a characterisation is “Ukrainian bravado”.

From BBC

He seems to be starting over on “Light Again!,” a track full of bouncy bravado that will likely appear on a forthcoming album called “Dreamboy.”

From New York Times

The judge rejected a claim Kucharski had acted out of "foolish bravado" to provoke a reaction.

From BBC

Once you peel back the L.A. bravado, though, you see the fans here aren’t as loyal to the city out west as they appear.

From Los Angeles Times

Her provocative stage presence in a dazzling series of Paris by Night videos, her tight-fitting body suits and bikini tops, her bravado and sultry voice made the older generation gasp.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bluster