Hero
ˈhɪəroʊ
Definitions
2 meaningsA person, typically a man, who is admired for great courage or outstanding achievements.
ˈhɪəroʊ
A person, especially a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
The firefighter was hailed as a hero for rescuing the family from the burning building.
💡 Simply: A hero is someone you really admire, like someone who's super brave and does amazing things, like saving people or helping others. Like, if someone rescues a cat from a tree, they're a hero!
👶 For kids: A hero is someone who is brave and does good things.
More Examples
Many people consider Martin Luther King Jr. a hero for his fight for civil rights.
The protagonist of the story is a reluctant hero, forced to make difficult choices.
How It's Used
"The hero of the novel saved the princess from the dragon."
"Firefighters are often considered heroes for their bravery."
The main character in a book, film, or other narrative work.
ˈhɪəroʊ
The principal character in a story, film, etc.
The hero of the movie undergoes a transformation throughout the film.
💡 Simply: In a story, the hero is the main person the story is all about, the one we follow through all the adventures. Think of the main character of your favorite movie, they are the hero of the story!
👶 For kids: The main character in a story.
More Examples
The story followed the hero on his journey across the land.
The hero, despite his flaws, ultimately triumphs.
How It's Used
"The hero faces many challenges throughout the movie."
"The hero of the story embarks on a perilous quest."
Idioms & expressions
hero worship
Excessive admiration for a particular person or thing.
"There's a lot of hero worship of celebrities in our society."
unsung hero
Someone who deserves recognition but does not receive it.
"The volunteers are the unsung heroes of the community, working tirelessly behind the scenes."
From Greek *hḗrōs* ('hero, demigod'), often associated with courage and valor. Initially referring to mythological figures.
Historically, the term referred to mythological or legendary figures of great strength and courage, often of divine ancestry.
Memory tip
Think of your personal heroes and what makes them special: their bravery and accomplishments.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: hḗrōs