Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching: The core meaning describes someone who shows mental or moral strength in the face of difficulty, danger, or pain.
   • Invulnerable to fear or intimidation: Describes a quality of being fearless and not easily frightened.
   • (Archaic/Literary) Brightly colored and showy; splendid: An older meaning referring to something that is visually striking, fine, or magnificent in appearance.

2. Noun:

   • A person who is brave; one who faces danger with courage: Used to refer collectively or individually to courageous people.
   • (Historical) A North American Indian warrior: A specific historical term for an Indigenous warrior.

3. Verb:

   • To face and withstand with courage; to endure or challenge something dangerous or unpleasant: The act of confronting something difficult or frightening without backing down.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The brave firefighter rushed into the burning building. (Describing courageous action.)
  • It was a brave decision to speak out against the injustice. (Describing a courageous choice.)
  • (Archaic) She wore a brave array of silks and jewels to the ball. (Describing splendid appearance.)

• Noun:

  • We honor the brave who fought for our freedom. (Referring to courageous people collectively.)
  • The tribe's braves prepared for battle. (Referring to warriors.)

• Verb:

  • She braved the storm to get help. (Confronting a dangerous situation.)
  • He braved his boss's anger to ask for a raise. (Enduring an unpleasant confrontation.)

Advanced Usage

• "To brave it out": To endure a difficult or embarrassing situation with an appearance of courage and confidence.
  • Even though he was wrong, he decided to brave it out and face the criticism.

Variants and Related Words

• Bravery (n): The quality of being brave; courageous behavior or character.
  • He was awarded a medal for his bravery.
• Bravely (adv): In a brave manner.
  • She acted bravely under pressure.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Courageous, fearless, valiant, intrepid, heroic, gallant, dauntless, plucky.
• Verb: Face, confront, defy, endure, withstand.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Cowardly, timid, fearful, craven.
• Verb: Avoid, flee, shirk.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Brave out: Similar to "brave it out," meaning to endure a situation stubbornly.
  • He tried to brave out his illness, but eventually had to see a doctor.

Adjective

1. brightly colored and showy
   • girls decked out in brave new dresses
   • brave banners flying
   • `braw' is a Scottish word
   • a dress a bit too gay for her years
   • birds with gay plumage
2. invulnerable to fear or intimidation
   • audacious explorers
   • fearless reporters and photographers
   • intrepid pioneers
3. possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
   • Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring- Herman Melville
   • a frank courageous heart...triumphed over pain- William Wordsworth
   • set a courageous example by leading them safely into and out of enemy-held territory

Noun

1. people who are brave
   • the home of the free and the brave
2. a North American Indian warrior

Verb

1. face and withstand with courage
   • She braved the elements