courageous
/kə'reidʤəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Possessing or displaying courage; having the mental or moral strength to face difficulty, danger, or pain without fear.
Usage
- The adjective courageous is used to describe a person, their actions, or their character. It implies a conscious choice to confront something frightening or challenging. It is a more formal synonym for "brave."
- It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like , , ).
Examples
- Attributive use (before a noun):
- She made a courageous decision to speak out against the injustice.
- The firefighter received an award for his courageous actions.
- Predicative use (after a linking verb):
- You must be very courageous to attempt such a difficult climb.
- Despite the risks, the journalists remained courageous.
Advanced Usage
- "Courageous" vs. "Fearless": While both imply a lack of fear, courageous often suggests acting despite feeling fear, whereas fearless can imply an absence of fear.
- It was a courageous act, especially since she was terrified of heights.
- Used in formal praise or official citations.
- For courageous service above and beyond the call of duty.
Variants and Related Words
- Courage (noun): The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain.
- He showed great courage in battle.
- Courageously (adverb): In a courageous manner.
- They fought courageously against overwhelming odds.
Synonyms
- Brave: Ready to face and endure danger or pain.
- Valiant: Possessing or showing courage or determination.
- Heroic: Having the characteristics of a hero; exceedingly brave.
- Intrepid: Fearless; adventurous.
Antonyms
- Cowardly: Lacking courage.
- Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened.
- Fearful: Feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety.
Idioms and Phrases
- Courageous to a fault: So courageous that it may lead to reckless or unwise actions.
- His willingness to charge into any danger made him courageous to a fault.
- Find the courage to (do something): To manage to be brave enough to do something difficult.
- She finally found the courage to leave her job and start her own business. (Note: This idiom uses the noun courage, the root of courageous.)
Adjective
- possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
- Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring- Herman Melville
- a frank courageous heart...triumphed over pain- William Wordsworth
- set a courageous example by leading them safely into and out of enemy-held territory