bravery
B2Formal, neutral. Often used in commendatory, journalistic, historical, and literary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The quality of being brave; courageous behaviour or character; the ability to face danger, difficulty, or pain without fear.
The capacity to withstand fear, adversity, or intimidation in various contexts, including moral and psychological challenges, not just physical danger.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies an active quality demonstrated through actions, not just a mental state. It often carries a positive moral judgment. Can be used both for a single act or as a character trait.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'bravery' as the standard noun. The adjective 'brave' is equally common.
Connotations
Identical positive connotations. In British English, it can sometimes be associated with historical or institutional (e.g., military) contexts slightly more formally.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
bravery in (the face of) [noun]bravery of [person/act]bravery to [infinitive][verb] braveryVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a medal for bravery”
- “a test of one's bravery”
- “take bravery”
- “summon up the bravery”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically for taking bold commercial risks or making difficult ethical decisions (e.g., 'It took real bravery to pivot the company's strategy.').
Academic
Used in psychology, ethics, history, and literature studies to discuss moral character, resilience, or historical actions.
Everyday
Common in praise for overcoming personal fears or handling difficult situations (e.g., praising a child for a medical procedure).
Technical
In military science and awards systems, it is a formal, criteria-based term for commendation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- to brave the elements
- She braved the storm to rescue the dog.
American English
- He braved the long line for tickets.
- They braved the critics to launch the product.
adverb
British English
- He acted bravely under fire.
- She smiled bravely despite the pain.
American English
- They fought bravely.
- He very bravely admitted his mistake.
adjective
British English
- a brave decision
- the brave firefighters
American English
- a brave move
- She was very brave during the interview.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The firefighter showed great bravery.
- It takes bravery to try new things.
- Her bravery in the face of illness was an inspiration to everyone.
- The soldier was awarded a medal for his bravery.
- Moral bravery often requires speaking out against popular opinion.
- The documentary highlighted the quiet bravery of ordinary citizens during the crisis.
- His political bravery in championing the unpopular reform ultimately cemented his legacy.
- The novel explores the distinction between reckless bravado and genuine bravery.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'brave lion' roaring. Bravery is the 'y' (the quality) of being 'brave'.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRAVERY IS A SHIELD. BRAVERY IS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH. BRAVERY IS FACING A STORM.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'смелость' as 'bravery' for trivial acts like 'bravery to ask a question'; use 'nerve' or 'courage'. 'Bravery' has a stronger, often heroic connotation.
- The Russian word 'храбрость' is a closer match in weight for physical courage.
- Do not confuse with 'отвага' (valour), which is more poetic/military.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect spelling: 'bravery' (not *bravery).
- Using it for minor, everyday acts (e.g., 'her bravery to wear bright colours' - overuse).
- Confusing it with 'foolhardiness'; bravery implies conscious risk for a worthy cause.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate context for the word 'bravery'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Courage' is broader and can be more internal or moral; it includes facing fear, pain, grief, or adversity. 'Bravery' is more often associated with active, visible, often physical action in the face of danger. They are often interchangeable, but 'courage' has a wider semantic range.
Rarely. It is almost exclusively positive. If used negatively, it is often qualified (e.g., 'foolish bravery,' 'reckless bravery') to imply the action was brave but unwise.
It is grammatically correct but less common and slightly less idiomatic than 'show bravery,' 'demonstrate bravery,' or 'be brave.' 'Have courage' is more frequent than 'have bravery.'
No. While commonly linked to physical acts, it is perfectly correct to speak of 'moral bravery,' 'emotional bravery,' or 'intellectual bravery,' where the risk is to one's reputation, relationships, or psychological state.