Brave

/bɹeɪv/ · adjective

Meaning

Strong in the face of fear; courageous..

Definitions by Sense

1. Strong in the face of fear; courageous.
2. (obsolete) Having any sort of superiority or excellence.
3. Making a fine show or display.
4. (UK, euphemistic) Foolish or unwise.
5. (dated) A Native American warrior.
6. (obsolete) A man daring beyond discretion; a bully.
7. (obsolete) A challenge; a defiance; bravado.
8. (transitive) To encounter or withstand with courage and fortitude, to defy, to provoke.

Example Sentences

For miſerie doth braueſt mindes abate, / And make them ſeeke for that they wont to ſcorne, / Of fortune and of hope at once forlorne.

Do not fret, dear. You must be brave and strong, and help me through the horrible task. If you only knew what an effort it is to me to tell of this fearful thing at all, you would understand how much I need your help.

[…]he has been so brave, giving it all a dignity.

Huntingdon's ferocity makes the reaction of staff all the more brave. To move towards danger when others are fleeing is the definition of bravery in my book. To place yourself in danger to protect others.

It being a brave day, I walked to Whitehall.

Is it not paſſing braue to be a King, And ride in triumph through Perſepolis?

Iron is a brave commodity where wood aboundeth.

Their plumed helmes are wrought with beaten golde, Their ſwords enameld, and about their neckes Hangs maſſie chaines of golde downe to the waſte, In euery part exceding braue and rich.

Synonyms for brave

Antonyms for brave

Related Words

Word Forms

• braver
• more brave
• bravest
• most brave
• braves
• braving
• braved

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions