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

Despite the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy confirmed that the event will proceed as scheduled, with CEO Harvey Mason Jr. stating that the ceremony will serve as a fundraising effort for wildfire relief and honor the bravery of first responders. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

With poise, confidence, heart, passion, kindness, utter bravery and love!!! —Marina Watts, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

There’s so much bravery and valor and loyalty and dreaming, of family and themes of human existence that were told in a certain way when our grandparents were alive. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025

These acts required immense bravery and often went unrecognized until after the war. —Todd L. Pittinsky, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2025

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