courage definition - Dictionary

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courage

cour·age [ kúr ij ]

noun

Definition:

quality of being brave: the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chosen course of action

She showed great courage throughout this difficult time.

[13th century. < Old French corage< Latin cor "heart"]

cou·ra·geous [ kə ráyjəss ] adjective

cou·ra·geous·ly adverb

cou·ra·geous·ness noun

Cultural Note


	The Red Badge of Courage, a novel by Stephen Crane (1895). Set during the Civil War, it tells the story of an idealistic soldier, Henry Fleming, who panics in battle and temporarily deserts. During a scuffle with another deserter, he receives a minor wound. Returning to battle bearing this "badge of courage," he performs with heroism but is wracked by guilt.

Word Key: Synonyms


	courage, bravery, valor, fearlessness, nerve, guts, pluck, mettle CORE MEANING: personal resoluteness in the face of danger or difficulties courage the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chosen course of action; a supreme act of courage under fire She must pluck up courage and tell him the truth. bravery courage in the face of danger, difficulty, or pain; A friend paid tribute to his bravery throughout his long illness. valor courage, especially that shown in war or battle; He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor. He praised the valor and determination of our troops. fearlessness resoluteness in the face of dangers or challenges; a police officer displaying determination, fearlessness, and devotion to duty We walked across the viaduct with the fearlessness of the young. nerve coolness, steadiness, and self-assurance; He didn't have the nerve to upset his boss's plans. She almost lost her nerve and backed out. guts (slang) strength of character and boldness; It takes a lot of guts to get back to normal activities after such a terrible injury. Why don't they have the guts to tackle the government? pluck courage and determination in meeting danger or difficulty; Very few people have had the pluck to stand up to their mother. It took pluck to face up to her critics. mettle spirited determination; Only time will tell if she has the mettle to rise to the challenge. He showed his mettle in putting on the show against the odds.