courage
C1Formal, literary, and everyday
Definition
Meaning
The mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, difficulty, or pain.
The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery in the face of adversity. Can also refer to the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs despite opposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a non-count noun. Often implies overcoming an internal state of fear. Associated with positive moral and heroic qualities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Universally positive; associated with honour, valour, and moral fortitude.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the] courage to + INFcourage [in the face of N]courage [of N]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dutch courage”
- “screw up one's courage”
- “take courage (from something)”
- “have the courage of one's convictions”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"It took courage for the CEO to pivot the company's entire strategy."
Academic
"The study examines the role of moral courage in whistleblowing incidents."
Everyday
"It took a lot of courage for him to speak in front of all those people."
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb. Use 'to encourage' or 'to pluck up courage'.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb. Use 'to muster courage'.
adverb
British English
- He acted courageously throughout the ordeal.
American English
- She spoke courageously in front of the committee.
adjective
British English
- The courageous firefighter received a medal.
- It was a courageous decision.
American English
- She made a courageous stand for her rights.
- A courageous act of defiance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The little girl showed great courage at the doctor's.
- It takes courage to say you're sorry.
- He didn't have the courage to ask her out.
- The firefighters showed incredible courage.
- She found the courage to leave her unfulfilling job and travel the world.
- Political courage is often in short supply.
- The memoir is a profound exploration of moral courage in the face of systemic oppression.
- His quiet courage in enduring the illness inspired everyone around him.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'courage' as 'CORE-rage' – the core strength to manage your rage/fear.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS A SUBSTANCE (summon, gather, find courage). COURAGE IS A SHIELD (against fear).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "храбрость" (bravery in action) alone; "courage" heavily includes the internal, moral dimension (мужество).
- The phrase "to have the courage of one's convictions" has no direct equivalent and should be translated descriptively.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (*He showed a great courage).
- Confusing with "encouragement" (support/motivation).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common collocation with 'courage'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always an uncountable noun. You do not say 'a courage' or 'courages'.
They are often synonyms. However, 'courage' can more strongly emphasise the conscious choice to act despite fear, while 'bravery' may focus more on the fearless action itself.
It's an idiom referring to confidence or bravery gained from drinking alcohol.
Yes. 'To have courage' describes a temporary state or possession of that quality. 'To be courageous' describes a more inherent or characteristic trait of a person.
Collections
Part of a collection
Personality Traits
B1 · 36 words · Describing character and personal qualities.