Is a 'medal of bravery' the same as a 'Medal of Honor'?

No. 'Medal of Bravery' is often a generic term or the name of specific national awards (e.g., in Canada, Australia). The 'Medal of Honor' is the specific, highest military award in the United States.

Can civilians receive a medal of bravery?

Yes, in many countries there are official medals of bravery awarded to civilians for acts of courage in emergencies, separate from military awards.

What is the typical metal used for such medals?

It varies by country and the level of the award. They can be gold, silver, or bronze, with gold often representing the highest level of the honour.

How do you wear a medal of bravery?

Protocols are strict. It is typically worn on the left side of the chest, often with other decorations in a prescribed order of precedence during formal occasions. A ribbon bar is worn on everyday uniforms.

Is “medal of bravery” formal?

Medal of bravery is usually formal, official, journalistic in register.

How do you pronounce “medal of bravery”?

Medal of bravery: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmed.əl əv ˈbreɪ.vər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmed.əl əv ˈbreɪ.vɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

medal of bravery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌmed.əl əv ˈbreɪ.vər.i/US/ˌmed.əl əv ˈbreɪ.vɚ.i/

Formal, official, journalistic

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “medal of bravery” mean?

An official award, typically made of metal, given by a government or organization to a person for an act of exceptional courage in a dangerous situation, especially in military or civilian emergency contexts.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A general term for any decoration or award recognizing acts of courage, often used metonymically to refer to the honor itself, not just the physical object. It can also imply the social status or recognition gained by the recipient.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Conceptually identical. British usage might more frequently reference specific, historically established awards (e.g., the George Cross). American English has specific, analogous awards but may use the generic term 'medal of bravery' in news reporting or civilian contexts. The term 'Medal of Honor' is the highest US military award and is not called a 'medal of bravery'.

Connotations

Carries strong connotations of heroism, self-sacrifice, and formal state recognition. In both varieties, it is a term of high respect and solemnity.

Frequency

Low frequency in everyday conversation. More common in official documents, news reports about military or emergency service awards, and historical contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “medal of bravery” in a Sentence

[Recipient] was awarded the medal of bravery for [Act].The [Authority] presented a medal of bravery to [Recipient].He received the medal of bravery after [Event].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

awarded thereceived thepresented with theposthumously awarded the

medium

ceremony for therecipient of thedeserves anominated for a

weak

story of histalk about thepicture of the

Examples

Examples of “medal of bravery” in a Sentence

verb

British English

He was **medalled** for bravery in the field. (rare, informal)

American English

The firefighter was **awarded a medal** for bravery. (no direct verb use common)

adverb

British English

American English

adjective

British English

It was a **medal-of-bravery** ceremony. (hyphenated compound adjective)

American English

She is a **Medal of Bravery recipient**. (noun phrase as attributive noun)

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in historical, political science, or sociological studies dealing with awards, military history, or state symbolism.

Everyday

Rare; might be used when discussing news stories about local heroes or family military history.

Technical

Used in military, governmental, and heraldic contexts with precise definitions and protocols.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “medal of bravery”

Strong

medal of valourmedal of honour (in specific, non-US contexts)cross of valour

Neutral

bravery awardcourage awarddecoration for valour

Weak

heroism medalaward for couragecitation for bravery

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “medal of bravery”

dishonourable dischargecowardice citationdemotion

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “medal of bravery”

Incorrect article: 'He got medal of bravery.' (Correct: '...a medal of bravery' or '...the medal of bravery').
Capitalization: Only capitalize when it's the official title of a specific award (e.g., 'the Canadian Medal of Bravery').
Plural: 'medals of bravery' is correct for multiple instances.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. 'Medal of Bravery' is often a generic term or the name of specific national awards (e.g., in Canada, Australia). The 'Medal of Honor' is the specific, highest military award in the United States.
: Yes, in many countries there are official medals of bravery awarded to civilians for acts of courage in emergencies, separate from military awards.
: It varies by country and the level of the award. They can be gold, silver, or bronze, with gold often representing the highest level of the honour.
: Protocols are strict. It is typically worn on the left side of the chest, often with other decorations in a prescribed order of precedence during formal occasions. A ribbon bar is worn on everyday uniforms.
: An official award, typically made of metal, given by a government or organization to a person for an act of exceptional courage in a dangerous situation, especially in military or civilian emergency contexts.
: Medal of bravery is usually formal, official, journalistic in register.
: Medal of bravery: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmed.əl əv ˈbreɪ.vər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmed.əl əv ˈbreɪ.vɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“win one's spurs (related, but for proving general capability)”
“above and beyond the call of duty (describes the act, not the award)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a **MEDAL** shining on a soldier's uniform, representing the **BRAVERY** they showed. It's a 'medal FOR bravery'.

Conceptual Metaphor

RECOGNITION IS A TANGIBLE OBJECT (the medal); VIRTUE IS A VALUABLE METAL (gold/silver/bronze of the medal); COURAGE IS A PUBLIC SPECTACLE (the award ceremony).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The police officer was presented with the for rescuing people from the burning building.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the phrase 'medal of bravery' LEAST likely to be used?