star of courage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Official, Military
Quick answer
What does “star of courage” mean?
A Canadian military decoration awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Canadian military decoration awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
A specific, formal honorific title for a Canadian military award; can be used metaphorically to describe an exceptionally brave person or act, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to the Canadian honours system. In British English, a comparable award might be the 'George Cross'. In American English, a comparable award might be the 'Medal of Honor'. The phrase itself is not used generically in either variety.
Connotations
Connotes official recognition, extreme bravery, and Canadian national identity.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of Canada. Within Canada, it is known but not part of everyday vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “star of courage” in a Sentence
[Subject] was awarded the Star of Courage for [action].The Star of Courage was presented to [recipient].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “star of courage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was star-of-couraged? (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (No verb form exists)
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form)
American English
- (No adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- A Star-of-Courage recipient attended the ceremony.
- The Star-of-Courage citation was read aloud.
American English
- She is a Star of Courage honoree.
- The Star of Courage medal is silver.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, or military studies papers discussing Canadian honours.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation except by those connected to the military or recipient's community.
Technical
Used in official military, governmental, and heraldic contexts with precise criteria for award.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “star of courage”
- Using it as a general compliment ('You're a real star of courage!').
- Confusing it with the 'Star of Military Valour' (another Canadian award).
- Omitting the capital letters, as it is a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a civilian award within the Canadian honours system, but it is often awarded to military personnel and emergency service members for actions outside of military conflict.
Yes, it can be and often is awarded posthumously.
In the Canadian system, the Cross of Valour (CV) is higher, awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
They are referred to as a 'recipient of the Star of Courage'. The award does not confer a title like 'Sir'.
A Canadian military decoration awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.
Star of courage is usually formal, official, military in register.
Star of courage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːr əv ˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːr əv ˈkɝː.ɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Metaphorical use is rare, e.g., 'He earned his star of courage that day.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STAR shining brightly in the dark, representing a single act of COURAGE that stands out in a moment of extreme danger.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRAVERY IS A LUMINOUS/CONSPICUOUS OBJECT (a star that guides or stands out).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the 'Star of Courage' an official award?