courage
/ˈkʌr.ɪdʒ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Courage is the ability to face fear, pain, danger, or difficulty without giving up. It is also the strong feeling that helps you do something brave.
- She showed courage during the emergency.
- It took courage to speak up.
- He faced the interview with courage.
Adinary Nuance
Courage is about facing fear, not the absence of fear. It is stronger and more serious than confidence, which means believing you can do something well. It is also different from bravery, which often describes a bold act, while courage can describe the inner strength behind it.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Can đảm
- Spanish
- Valor
- Chinese
- 勇气
- Japanese
- 勇気
- Korean
- 용기
Etymology
Courage came into English from Old French couraige in the Middle Ages. It is related to Latin cor, meaning "heart," because courage was seen as strength of heart.
Common phrases
have the courage toshow couragecourage of convictionmoral courage
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is courage the same as bravery?
- They are close, but courage is the inner strength to face fear. Bravery often describes the outward action.
- Is courage formal or informal?
- Courage is a standard, neutral word. It is common in speaking, writing, and academic English.
- What is the difference between courage and confidence?
- Confidence means you trust your ability. Courage means you act even when you feel afraid.
- How do I use courage in a sentence?
- Use it as a noun: "She had the courage to ask for help."