brave

—bravely, adv. —braveness, n.

/brayv/, adj., braver, bravest, n., v., braved, braving.

adj.

1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

2. making a fine appearance.

3. Archaic. excellent; fine; admirable.

n.

4. a brave person.

5. a warrior, esp. among North American Indian tribes.

6. Obs.

a. a bully.

b. a boast or challenge.

v.t.

7. to meet or face courageously: to brave misfortunes.

8. to defy; challenge; dare.

9. Obs. to make splendid.

v.i.

10. Obs. to boast; brag.

[1475-85; < MF < Sp bravo ( > It) < VL *brabus for L barbarus BARBAROUS]

Syn. 1. bold, intrepid, daring, dauntless, heroic. BRAVE, COURAGEOUS, VALIANT, FEARLESS, GALLANT refer to confident bearing in the face of difficulties or dangers. BRAVE is the most comprehensive: it is especially used of that confident fortitude or daring that actively faces and endures anything threatening. COURAGEOUS implies a higher or nobler kind of bravery, esp. as resulting from an inborn quality of mind or spirit that faces or endures perils or difficulties without fear and even with enthusiasm.

VALIANT implies a correspondence between an inner courageousness and external deeds, particularly of physical strength or endurance. FEARLESS implies unflinching spirit and coolness in the face of danger. GALLANT implies a chivalrous, impetuous, or dashing bravery.

Ant. 1. cowardly.

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