Advertisement

View synonyms for brave

brave

[ breyv ]

adjective

braver, bravest.
  1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

    Synonyms: heroic, dauntless, daring, intrepid, bold

    Antonyms: cowardly

  2. making a fine appearance.
  3. Archaic. excellent; fine; admirable.


noun

  1. the brave. (used with a plural verb) courageous people, collectively:

    the land of the free and the home of the brave.

  2. Sometimes Offensive. a warrior, especially among North American Indian tribes.
  3. Obsolete.
    1. a bully.
    2. a boast or challenge.

verb (used with object)

braved, braving.
  1. to meet or face courageously:

    to brave misfortunes.

  2. Obsolete. to make splendid.

verb (used without object)

braved, braving.
  1. Obsolete. to boast; brag.

brave

/ breɪv /

adjective

    1. having or displaying courage, resolution, or daring; not cowardly or timid
    2. ( as collective noun preceded by the )

      the brave

  1. fine; splendid

    a brave attempt

    a brave sight

  2. archaic.
    excellent or admirable
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a warrior of a Native American tribe
  2. an obsolete word for bully 1
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. to dare or defy

    to brave the odds

  2. to confront with resolution or courage

    to brave the storm

  3. obsolete.
    to make splendid, esp in dress
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Sensitive Note

See powwow.
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈbraveness, noun
  • ˈbravery, noun
  • ˈbravely, adverb
Discover More

Other Words From

  • brave·ly adverb
  • brave·ness noun
  • o·ver·brave adjective
  • o·ver·brave·ly adverb
  • o·ver·brave·ness noun
  • qua·si-brave adjective
  • qua·si-brave·ly adverb
  • su·per·brave adjective
  • su·per·brave·ly adverb
  • su·per·brave·ness noun
  • un·brave adjective
  • un·brave·ly adverb
  • un·brave·ness noun
  • un·braved adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of brave1

First recorded in 1475–85; from Middle French, from Spanish bravo, either from Italian or directly from unattested Vulgar Latin brabus for Latin barbarus barbarous
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of brave1

C15: from French, from Italian bravo courageous, wild, perhaps ultimately from Latin barbarus barbarous
Discover More

Synonym Study

Brave, courageous, valiant, fearless, gallant refer to confident bearing in the face of difficulties or dangers. Brave is the most comprehensive: it is especially used of that confident fortitude or daring that actively faces and endures anything threatening. Courageous implies a higher or nobler kind of bravery, especially as resulting from an inborn quality of mind or spirit that faces or endures perils or difficulties without fear and even with enthusiasm. Valiant implies a correspondence between an inner courageousness and external deeds, particularly of physical strength or endurance. Fearless implies unflinching spirit and coolness in the face of danger. Gallant implies a chivalrous, impetuous, or dashing bravery.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Charity Anxiety UK told Newsbeat the singer has been brave opening up about his struggles and can help raise awareness.

From BBC

Charity Anxiety UK has told Newsbeat the singer is brave for opening up about his struggles and can help raise awareness.

From BBC

People tell me I am brave but I genuinely do not think I am.

From BBC

"Their actions have led to this defendant being held accountable for his crimes, which have caused such distress and trauma to his brave victims."

From BBC

“I have had the pleasure of meeting Payton—she is incredibly smart, strong and brave. Both she and her family have been through the unthinkable,“ McCain wrote.

From Salon

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Bravais latticebrave new world