courage

UK: /ˈkʌrɪdʒ/ US: /ˈkɜrɪdʒ, ˈkʌr-/ ,(kûr′ij, kur′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

cour•age /ˈkɜrɪdʒ, ˈkʌr-/   n. 

[uncountable]
1. the quality of mind that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, etc., without fear; bravery.

cou•ra•geous /kəˈreɪdʒəs/  adj. 
cou•ra•geous•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

cour•age  (kûr′ij, kur′-), n. 

1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear;
   bravery.
2. [Obs.] the heart as the source of emotion.
3. Idioms have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, esp. in spite of criticism.

• Latin cor; see heart) + -age -age
• Old French, equivalent. to cuer heart (
• Middle English corage 1250–1300

Synonyms

• 1. fearlessness, dauntlessness, intrepidity, pluck, spirit.
  Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct.
  Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear:
  to take
  (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness:
  bravery in a battle.
  Valor implies heroic courage:
  valor in fighting for the right.
  Bravado is now usually a boastful and ostentatious pretense of courage or bravery:
  empty bravado.

Antonyms

• 1. cowardice.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

courage / ˈkʌrɪdʒ/ noun

1. the power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain, etc
2. the courage of one's convictions ⇒ the confidence to act in accordance with one's beliefs
3. take one's courage in both hands ⇒ to nerve oneself to perform an action
4. mind; disposition; spirit

Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French corage, from cuer heart, from Latin cor