courage

[ kur-ij, kuhr- ]

noun

1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

   Synonyms: intrepidity, dauntlessness, fearlessness, spirit, pluck

   Antonyms: cowardice

2. Obsolete. the heart as the source of emotion.

courage

/ ˈkʌrɪdʒ /

noun

1. the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc
2. the courage of one's convictions
   the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs
3. take one's courage in both hands
   to nerve oneself to perform an action
4. obsolete.
   mind; disposition; spirit

Word History and Origins

Origin of courage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English corage, from Old French, equivalent to cuer “heart” (from Latin cor; heart ) + -age -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of courage¹

C13: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

More idioms and phrases containing courage

In addition to the idiom beginning with courage , also see Dutch courage ; pluck up (one's courage) .

Synonym Study

Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear: to take (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness: bravery in a battle. Valor implies heroic courage: valor in fighting for the right. Bravado is now usually a boastful and ostentatious pretense of courage or bravery: empty bravado.

Example Sentences

In the Ship Ahoy, one of the many local bars that Lee and his band of homosexual flâneurs frequent, Lee orders a shot of mezcal for courage before standing up to bow in Allerton’s direction.

From Salon

"Our thoughts today are with the victims that this man preyed on and abused for so many years. It takes huge courage to speak out, to break the cycle of abuse."

From BBC

"We are so very proud of the kindness, empathy and courage she has shown in the last year," she wrote.

From BBC

As Bear helps her talk about her fears, Rat gains the courage to tell her friends about her scary feelings.

From Los Angeles Times

No firing a bow this time, instead showing remarkable courage to rip off his shirt in such atrocious weather.

From BBC

Related Words

• audacity
• bravery
• daring
• determination
• endurance
• fearlessness
• firmness
• fortitude
• gallantry
• grit
• heroism
• prowess
• spirit
• spunk
• tenacity
• valor

More About Courage

What does courage mean?

Courage is the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain.

A close synonym is bravery. Showing courage is often thought of as facing such situations without fear, but it also involves facing them despite fear. In other words, someone who has courage might not be fearless, but they face the dangerous, difficult, or frightening situation anyway.

The adjective courageous means having, showing, or done with courage. It can be used to describe people who have courage, or the actions of such people when they face negative situations resolutely. A close synonym is brave.

Example: We should all show our appreciation for the courage of our first responders, who face danger every day but still, somehow, decide to show up and put the wellbeing of other people before their own safety.

Where does courage come from?

The first records of the word courage come from the 1200s. It comes from the Old French corage, from cuer, meaning “heart” (this ultimately derives from the Latin cor, meaning “heart”).

The heart is traditionally depicted as the center of human emotion, and the word heart is commonly used in a figurative way to refer to courage or bravery—someone who has courage is said to have a lot of heart. Being courageous means that even when a situation is dangerous or scary—when it makes your heart start beating very fast—you’re still willing to face it. But courage doesn’t always involve facing danger. Something as simple as telling the truth when it will result in negative consequences can be courageous.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to courage?

• courageous (adjective)
• courageously (adverb)

What are some synonyms for courage?

• bravery
• valor
• fearlessness
• resoluteness

What are some words that share a root or word element with courage? 

 

• discourage
• encourage
• cordial

What are some words that often get used in discussing courage?

 

• convictions
• action
• act
• decision
• heroic
• danger
• fear
• leader
• battle

 

How is courage used in real life?

Courage is always used positively. It’s associated with heroic people and actions—like firefighters running into burning buildings to save people—but it can be used in many different situations.

Bravery is having the courage to confront something that is difficult & dangerous.

Right now, countless medical professionals are taking care of people suffering from coronavirus.

Their bravery in the face of adversity is inspirational. Please thank them.

May God protect them.

— Dr. Craig Considine (@CraigCons) March 16, 2020

D-Day … I can't imagine the courage that took. Thank you for saving the world from fascism.

— Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) June 6, 2019

“The truth is inside of us, and it’s wonderful when we have the courage to tell it.” pic.twitter.com/15e6rNhUCJ

— MisterRogersQuotes (@MisterRogersSay) October 2, 2020

 

 

Try using courage!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of courage?

A. bravery
B. resoluteness
C. timidity
D. valor