Definition

Noun: 1. A bold or confident manner or appearance intended to impress or intimidate, often to hide a lack of real confidence or fear. It refers to a display of pretended courage or defiant swagger that is not necessarily backed by genuine feelings.

Usage

"Bravado" is an uncountable noun. It describes behavior that is loud, boastful, or aggressively confident, typically adopted to mask insecurity, fear, or weakness. It often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting the display is false or exaggerated.

Examples

• His bravado disappeared as soon as he entered the intimidating office.
• She faced the challenge with a show of bravado, though she was trembling inside.
• The gang members walked with an air of bravado to scare their rivals.

Advanced Usage

• "False bravado": A common collocation emphasizing the inauthentic nature of the display.
  • His loud laughter was just false bravado to cover his embarrassment.
• "With bravado": A prepositional phrase describing how an action is performed.
  • He announced his decision with bravado, but his voice was shaky.

Variants and Related Words

• Bravura (noun): While sometimes confused, "bravura" refers to a brilliant, skillful, and confident performance, especially in music or art, and implies genuine talent, not pretense.
  • The pianist performed the concerto with great bravura.

Synonyms

• Bluster
• Swagger
• Bombast
• Boastfulness
• Cockiness

Antonyms

• Timidity
• Humility
• Meekness
• Genuine courage

Idioms and Phrases

• "A facade of bravado": Highlights the idea that the boldness is merely a surface cover.
  • Behind his facade of bravado, he was a very sensitive person.

Noun

1. a swaggering show of courage