valor

noun

val·​or ˈva-lər 

: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

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When Should You Use valor?

Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.

Synonyms

• bottle [British slang]
• bravery
• courage
• courageousness
• daring
• daringness
• dauntlessness
• doughtiness
• fearlessness
• gallantry
• greatheartedness
• guts
• gutsiness
• hardihood
• heart
• heroism
• intestinal fortitude
• intrepidity
• intrepidness
• moxie
• nerve
• pecker [chiefly British]
• prowess
• stoutness
• virtue

Examples of valor in a Sentence

The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor.

the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor

Recent Examples on the Web

This find gives us the opportunity for today’s generation of Sailors and Navy civilians to be inspired by their valor and sacrifice. —Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 12 Nov. 2024

The governor’s attitude conveys disrespect for those veterans who actually did receive the Bronze Star for their valor and self-sacrifice in combat, including those men and women who were awarded the Bronze Star posthumously after making the ultimate sacrifice for our country. —Fred Medinger, Baltimore Sun, 5 Nov. 2024

Before retiring in 2020, Rossler, 43, completed deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq and received a Bronze Star Medal for valor. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 10 Nov. 2024

When the playoff races begin to heat up, valor often becomes the better part of discretion. —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing valor

• discretion is the better part of valor

Kids Definition

valor

noun

val·​or ˈval-ər 

: personal bravery in the face of danger