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

Marcus has always been brave, but his bravery here was also an act of self-sacrifice. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024

Just as blindness was never mentioned, neither was bravery. —Sage Mehta, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

This will ask us to face our shadows, secrets, and taboos with bravery. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2024

After Viral Performance Video Sparks Concern: Nobody Is 'Forcing Me to Go on Stage' Harlan was brave in a moment when bravery was required. —Jason Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 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