cross of valour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Official, Historical
Quick answer
What does “cross of valour” mean?
A military decoration awarded for acts of exceptional courage or heroism, typically in the face of the enemy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A military decoration awarded for acts of exceptional courage or heroism, typically in the face of the enemy.
Figuratively, a symbol or representation of great personal courage and sacrifice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'valour' is standard in British English, while 'valor' is American. The specific award 'Cross of Valour' exists in Commonwealth realms; the US has analogous but differently named awards like the 'Medal of Honor'.
Connotations
In Commonwealth contexts, it carries immense prestige and national honour. In the US, the term may be less familiar, with 'Medal of Honor' being the primary equivalent.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its use is almost exclusively within military, governmental, or historical discourse related to specific countries.
Grammar
How to Use “cross of valour” in a Sentence
SUBJ + be awarded + the Cross of Valour + for + NP (act of bravery)The Cross of Valour + was presented to + OBJVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or military history texts discussing national honours systems.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing specific military awards.
Technical
Used in official military protocols, award citations, and heraldic descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross of valour”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross of valour”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross of valour”
- Using lower case ('cross of valour') when referring to the specific award. Using it as a generic term for any bravery medal. Confusing it with the 'Victoria Cross'. Spelling 'valour' as 'valor' in British/Commonwealth contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different awards. The Victoria Cross is the highest military award for valour in the UK and some Commonwealth countries, typically for combat. The Cross of Valour, in countries like Canada and Australia, is often the highest civilian award for bravery, though it can be awarded to military personnel for non-combat heroism.
Yes, it is commonly awarded posthumously to individuals who have lost their lives while performing an act of exceptional heroism.
The spelling would be 'Cross of Valor'. However, it is not a standard US award; the closest equivalent is the Congressional Medal of Honor.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal term. Its use is restricted to specific official and historical contexts related to the honours systems of certain nations.
A military decoration awarded for acts of exceptional courage or heroism, typically in the face of the enemy.
Cross of valour is usually formal, official, historical in register.
Cross of valour: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs əv ˈvælə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs əv ˈvælər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a brave soldier crossing a dangerous battlefield—this CROSSing requires exceptional VALOUR, worthy of a 'Cross of Valour'.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALOUR IS A PRECIOUS METAL (forged into a cross); HEROISM IS A BADGE OF HONOUR.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Cross of Valour' most accurately used?