bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrā-və-rē 

ˈbrāv-

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : the quality or state of being brave : courage

showing bravery under fire

2

a

: fine clothes

wearing their Sunday bravery

b

: showy display

… the streets strewed with flowers and full of pageantry, banners, and bravery.

—John Evelyn

Synonyms

• array
• best
• caparison
• feather
• finery
• frippery
• full dress
• gaiety
• gayety
• glad rags
• regalia

Examples of bravery in a Sentence

He received a medal for bravery.

children in their Sunday bravery

Recent Examples on the Web

Your bravery & dedication to protecting our communities are nothing short of heroic. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Biden said the nation also stands with the 35 people injured in the attack and thanked first-responders for their bravery. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025

Fonseca got tough and the line between bravery and foolishness, at times, became imperceptible. —James Horncastle, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024

Mufasa would also experience great tragedy and great adventures, betrayal and romance, tests of bravery and the opportunity to sing Broadway-friendly show tunes. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French braverie "bravado, challenge, audacity," from braver "to challenge, flout, brave entry 2" + -erie -ery

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrāv-(ə-)rē 

plural braveries

1

: the quality or state of being brave : fearlessness

2

a

: fine clothes

b

: impressive or showy display