bravery

noun

brav·​ery ˈbrāv-rē 

ˈbrā-və-

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

Looking out the window takes a bit of bravery because of the steep drops, but your prize is jaw-dropping views of alpine valleys, flowing rivers, and fields of wildflowers far below the surrounding peaks and ridgelines. —Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2024

Davis has always been a great inspiration to me, because of her bravery and honesty on screen. —Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 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