Advertisement

View synonyms for

brave

[breyv]

adjective

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

    Synonyms: , , , ,
    Antonyms:
  2. making a fine appearance.

  3. Archaic.excellent; fine; admirable.



noun

  1. (used with a plural verb)the brave. 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. to defy; challenge; dare.

  3. Obsolete.to make splendid.

verb (used without object)

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

brave

/ ɪ /

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 sight

    a brave attempt

  2. archaicexcellent 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. obsoleteto 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

Other Word Forms

  • bravely adverb
  • braveness noun
  • overbrave adjective
  • overbravely adverb
  • overbraveness noun
  • quasi-brave adjective
  • quasi-bravely adverb
  • superbrave adjective
  • superbravely adverb
  • superbraveness noun
  • unbrave adjective
  • unbravely adverb
  • unbraveness noun
  • unbraved adjective
  • ˈԱ noun
  • ˈ noun
  • ˈ adverb
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

Examples have not been reviewed.

His brave and inspiring column revealing his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease repays that debt, and then some.

From

"He was brave, it looked like the race would be tactical but he took it on from two laps out," said Danny.

From

“Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous,” Hawk said on the show, which positioned him as a brave inspiration to his peers with mental illness.

From

Now 65 and describing himself as the "last man standing" of his friendship group, he says the quilt is a "reminder of the bravest and most beautiful people" he knew.

From

It is a stretch, it is a dare, it is bold, it is brave, it is thrilling.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Bravais latticebrave face, put on a