courage

[kur-ij, kuhr-] /ˈkɜr ɪdʒ, ˈkʌr-/
noun
1.
the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.
2.
Obsolete. the heart as the source of emotion.
Idioms
3.
have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English corage < Old French, equivalent to cuer heart (< Latin cor; see heart) + -age -age
Synonyms
1. fearlessness, dauntlessness, intrepidity, pluck, spirit. Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear: to take (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness: bravery in a battle. Valor implies heroic courage: valor in fighting for the right. Bravado is now usually a boastful and ostentatious pretense of courage or bravery: empty bravado.
Antonyms
1. cowardice.
Examples from the web for courage
  • To show courage, or to show one's faith in the saint's protection, once had real importance.
  • If anything, the authorship question is about courage and intellectual honesty.
  • They are ordinary people with extraordinary courage.
  • As a caver, he was awed by the courage and resourcefulness that such long-term survival underground must have demanded.
  • With courage and sensitivity she offers a rare insight into unfamiliar cultures and societies.
  • They are real heroes to have patience and courage to fight for these expert shots.
  • They acknowledge the horror of war but also the courage in the face of an impossible situation.
  • And so did large acts of cowardice and small acts of courage, often committed by unknown soldiers.
  • What you want to achieve is curiosity and courage to try and this is much harder to achieve because it needs the right balance.
  • They have tremendous integrity and should be recognized for their courage.
British Dictionary definitions for courage

courage

/ˈkʌrɪdʒ/
noun
1.
the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc
2.
the courage of one's convictions, the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs
3.
take one's courage in both hands, to nerve oneself to perform an action
4.
(obsolete) mind; disposition; spirit
Word Origin
C13: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor
Word Origin and History for courage
n.

c.1300, from Old French corage (12c., Modern French courage) "heart, innermost feelings; temper," from Vulgar Latin *coraticum (source of Italian coraggio, Spanish coraje), from Latin cor "heart" (see heart) which remains a common metaphor for inner strength.

In Middle English, used broadly for "what is in one's mind or thoughts," hence "bravery," but also "wrath, pride, confidence, lustiness," or any sort of inclination. Replaced Old English ellen, which also meant "zeal, strength."

Slang definitions & phrases for courage

courage

Related Terms

dutch courage


Idioms and Phrases with courage

courage

In addition to the idiom beginning with
courage
also see: