Agency Dictionary
Bravery
nounPronunciation: /ˈbreɪ.vɚ.i/
In Portuguese: Bravura
Philosophy & Ethics
Psychology & MindWhat does “Bravery” mean?
The moral quality or mental disposition that enables a person to encounter danger, difficulty, or acute pain with resolute courage, composure, and firmness of purpose.
Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from French braverie or Italian braveria, from the verb bravare, "to brag, to defy", from bravo. At first the English word meant bravado, daring display and also fine clothes; the sense of true courage prevailed later. Brave itself came through French from Italian bravo, "bold, wild", whose origin is disputed: it has been traced to Latin barbarus, "foreign, savage", and to Latin pravus, "crooked, bad", without agreement.
Usage note
Bravery and courage are close. Bravery tends to describe bold action in the face of danger, courage the inner firmness that makes such action possible.
Synonyms
- courage
- valor
- fearlessness
- gallantry
- boldness
- daring
Often confused with
- bravado
- Bravado is a show of boldness meant to impress, often hiding fear; bravery is the real thing.
Word family
- brave
- bravely
- bravado
- bravo
- bravura
Rhymes with
- slavery
- knavery
- savory
Usage examples
If you are so stuck on an old path, you will never be able to start a new journey, the art of detachment is subtle and light, but it can only be cultivated in the bravery that dwells in the strongest of hearts.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
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- A person, thing, or concept that represents the direct or exact opposite of another.
- Discursiveadjective
- Proceeding by reasoned argument or sequential exposition rather than by immediate visual intuition.
- vocationnoun
- A strong innate inclination or sense of purpose toward a particular career, craft, or calling.
- Synchronicitynoun
- The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
- Maximnoun
- A concise statement expressing a fundamental principle, general truth, or practical rule of conduct.
- Resiliencenoun
- The capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, tough conditions, or shock.
- Stigmanoun
- A mark of social disgrace, shame, or prejudice associated with a particular circumstance, trait, or behavior.
- clevernessnoun
- The mental quality of being quick-witted, agile, and ingenious in solving specific situational problems.
- rhetoricnoun
- The art of effective and persuasive speaking or writing, especially through strategic linguistic devices.
- Tangibleadjective
- Perceptible by the sense of touch or capable of being physically grasped and measured in concrete physical reality. It distinguishes concrete material products from virtual or intellectual entities.
- collective consciousnessnoun
- The set of beliefs, ideas and feelings shared by the members of a society, which exists beyond any single person. By extension, what a community knows and repeats in common.
Also from these editions: terms
- Treatisenoun
- A formal, systematic, and comprehensive written work dealing methodically with the principles and evidence of a particular philosophical, scientific, or technical subject.
- Compassnoun
- A navigational instrument equipped with a magnetized needle indicating magnetic north and other cardinal directions. Metaphorically, it designates an ethical principle or core belief providing personal guidance.
- Detachmentnoun
- The state of being emotionally objective, aloof, or free from clingy psychological attachments to outcomes, possessions, or dogmas. In Eastern philosophy, it represents spiritual liberation.
- Manifestonoun
- A public written declaration setting forth the intentions, motives, political convictions, or philosophical principles of an individual, artistic group, or corporate enterprise.
- Monknoun
- A man who belongs to a religious community and dedicates his life to prayer, contemplation, and ascetic spiritual practices, typically under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
- Newsletternoun
- A regularly distributed written publication, delivered physically or electronically, containing news, analytical articles, and commentary aimed at a targeted subscriber base.
- Paddlenoun
- A short, light oar with a flat blade at one or both ends, held with both hands to propel and steer a small watercraft.
- Symbolnoun
- A mark, sign, character, or visual emblem used as a conventional representation of an object, function, concept, or abstract idea.
- Tsunaminoun
- A series of massive ocean waves caused by sudden displacement of water from undersea earthquakes, or metaphorically a sudden overwhelming influx of events.
- Wanderernoun
- A person who travels aimlessly or leisurely from place to place without a fixed destination or permanent home. In literature, it often symbolizes an introspective seeker exploring existential truth.
- Copywriternoun
- A professional writer who crafts persuasive texts, slogans, and structured narratives designed to promote ideas, products, or institutional missions. The role bridges creative storytelling and strategic organizational communication.
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