Courage

'kʌrɪdʒ

nounIntermediate📊CommonEmotion
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

'kʌrɪdʒ

nounpositiveIntermediate
Emotion

The ability to do something that frightens one.

She displayed remarkable courage when facing her fears.

💡 Simply: Courage is like having a super power that helps you do things that scare you, like standing up to a bully or trying a new sport even if you're nervous. It's being brave!

👶 For kids: Being brave even when you're scared!

More Examples

2

It takes courage to speak up for what you believe in.

3

The soldiers fought with great courage in the battle.

4

Despite the challenges, she found the courage to pursue her dreams.

How It's Used

General

"The firefighters showed great courage in rescuing the children."

Psychology

"Practicing mindfulness can help to develop the courage to face difficult emotions."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

Have the courage of one's convictions

To act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially when it is difficult or unpopular.

"She had the courage of her convictions and spoke out against the injustice, even though it cost her her job."

Pluck up (one's) courage

To summon the courage to do something, often after feeling hesitant or fearful.

"She took a deep breath and plucked up her courage to ask him out."

From Old French *corage*, derived from *cuer* (heart), ultimately from Latin *cor* (heart). Originally denoted 'heart' or 'inner self,' later evolving to signify bravery and mental fortitude.

The word has been used since the 13th century, with the meaning evolving from inner strength to encompass bravery and the ability to face adversity.

Memory tip

Think of a heart (cor) that's strong and brave enough to face anything.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"Heart (cor)"

great couragemoral couragehave courageshow couragesummon couragepluck up couragecourage to do

Common misspellings

curagecurridgecorege

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written