courageous

[kuh-rey-juhs]

adjective

1. possessing or characterized by courage; brave.

   a courageous speech against the dictator.

courageous

/ kəˈreɪdʒəs /

adjective

1. possessing or expressing courage

Other Word Forms

• courageously adverb
• courageousness noun
• uncourageous adjective
• uncourageously adverb
• uncourageousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of courageous¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English corageous, from Anglo-French curajous, Old French corageus, from corage courage + -eus -eous

Synonym Study

See brave.

Example Sentences

This bold, courageous judging is precisely what is called for in the present moment.

From Salon

Later that year, he faced Joe Frazier in a gruelling match, ultimately being stopped in the 12th round after another courageous performance.

From BBC

The tánaiste described the missionary as a "respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person" who dedicated her life to support vulnerable people in Haiti.

From BBC

"A courageous local law enforcement officer gave his life, and another was injured, after a gunman opened fire on at least four CDC buildings," she wrote in a post on X.

From BBC

They may be a stylist, an industry insider or simply a courageous flirt, but a compliment on what Charlotte is wearing is inevitable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adventurous 
• audacious 
• daring 
• fearless 
• gallant 
• gutsy 
• heroic 
• resolute 
• strong 
• tenacious 
• tough 
• valiant 

When To Use

What does courageous mean?

Courageous means having, showing, or done with courage—the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain.Courageous can be used to describe people who have courage, or the actions of such people when they face negative situations resolutely. A close synonym is brave.Being courageous is often thought of as facing such situations without fear, but it also involves facing them despite fear. In other words, someone who’s courageous might not be fearless, but they face the dangerous, difficult, or frightening situation anyway.Example: I especially want to thank our courageous first responders, who face danger every day but still, somehow, decide to show up and put the wellbeing of other people before their own safety.