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

As a reward for his act of bravery, Zayin was given a gift card from the store Zumiez to purchase a new skateboard after the group of kids took his. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 22 Dec. 2024

The trial has convulsed France and transformed the woman at its center into a feminist icon for her bravery in allowing the case to be tried publicly. —Natasha Frost, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Giovanni also spoke with clear-eyed passion about the bravery of trans people and their importance for our future and liberation. —Mathew Rodriguez, Them, 10 Dec. 2024

Tennis is very traditional and there was the willingness and the bravery to lean in to your own style. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 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