courageous

[ kuh-rey-juhs ]

adjective

1. possessing or characterized by courage; brave:

   a courageous speech against the dictator.

courageous

/ kəˈreɪdʒəs /

adjective

1. possessing or expressing courage

Derived Forms

• couˈrageously, adverb
• couˈrageousness, noun

Other Words From

• cou·rageous·ly adverb
• cou·rageous·ness noun
• uncou·rageous adjective
• uncou·rageous·ly adverb
• uncou·rageous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courageous¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English corageous, from Anglo-French curajous, Old French corageus, from corage courage + -eus -eous

Synonym Study

See brave.

Example Sentences

I thanked her for being courageous and trusting that she’d instilled in me the tools, the qualities, the values that would allow me to thrive out there and come back.

From Los Angeles Times

One thing we’ll see is who in public life is principled and courageous, and who will bend the knee to Trump and degrade themselves?

From Salon

Vladimir Putin has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory, calling him a "courageous man".

From BBC

In a statement, his family said he passed away on Saturday evening after a "courageous battle" with Parkinson's disease and dementia.

From BBC

Their principle — stand up against alleged cheating — is courageous at a time few want to go on the record and risk getting disciplined by their administration for a controversial stance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adventurous
• audacious
• daring
• fearless
• gallant
• gutsy
• heroic
• resolute
• strong
• tenacious
• tough
• valiant

More About Courageous

What does courageous mean?

Courageous means having, showing, or done with courage—the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain.

Courageous 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.

Being courageous is often thought of as facing such situations without fear, but it also involves facing them despite fear. In other words, someone who’s courageous might not be fearless, but they face the dangerous, difficult, or frightening situation anyway.

Example: I especially want to thank our courageous 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 courageous come from?

The first records of the word courageous come from the 1200s. Courage comes from the Old French corage, from cuer, meaning “heart” (this ultimately derives from the Latin cor, meaning “heart”). The suffix -ous means “full of” and is used to form adjectives.

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’s courageous 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. Being courageous 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 courageous?

• courageousness (noun)
• courageously (adverb)
• courage (noun)

What are some synonyms for courageous?

• brave
• daring
• fearless
• bold
• resolute

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

 

• discourage
• encourage
• cordial

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

 

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

 

How is courageous used in real life?

Courageous 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.

Y’all are truly courageous, needed & appreciated. Thank you! https://t.co/Bo3vxJFDEF

— 🌞 (@raysRemedy) March 16, 2020

75th anniversary of Op Manna – An incredible WW2 operation carried out by some truly courageous crews to drop food to the starving in Holland.
I interviewed a number of those who took part for my new "Lancaster" book out next month. Incredible stories. https://t.co/siVgY80THn pic.twitter.com/kQ5b99rptx

— John Nichol (@JohnNicholRAF) April 29, 2020

"To respect the opinions of those who stand against you is nothing short of courageous".#RaifBadawiQuotes

— Raif Badawi (@raif_badawi) April 19, 2018

 

 

Try using courageous!

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

A. brave
B. bold
C. timid
D. resolute