courage

KUR-ij/ˈkɝ.ɪd͡ʒ/UKKU-rij/ˈkʌ.ɹɪdʒ/

4 meanings of courage

1
noununcountable
The strength to face something scary and do it anyway.
Like jumping into cold water even though part of you wants to run away.
It took a lot of courage to jump off the high diving board.
She finally found the courage to speak in front of her whole class.
Similarbravery, nerve, daring, pluck
Oppositecowardice, fear
Note
2
noununcountable
The strength to keep going and stick to what is right even when things get hard.
Like a runner who keeps moving forward even when their legs are tired and sore.
It took real courage to keep telling the truth when everyone was against her.
He showed great courage by standing up for his friend at school.
Similarfortitude, resolve, determination, grit
Oppositecowardice
Note
3
noununcountable
The quality of being brave and sure of yourself, but still careful and kind to others.
Like a ship's captain who stays calm and steady when the sea turns rough.
She faced the bullies with calm courage and never lost her temper.
It takes courage to stay confident without putting other people down.
Similarbravery, boldness, confidence, fearlessness
Oppositecowardice, fear, timidity
Note

Less common meaning

4
verbobsolete
To give someone hope and the will to do something.
Kind words can courage a frightened child.
Paul writeth unto Timothy, to instruct him, to teach him, to exhort, to courage him, to stir him up,
1530, William Tyndale, An Answer unto Sir Thomas More's DialogueHere, courage means encourage, to give someone hope and the will to act.
Note

Use it in a sentence

Write your own sentence with courage, and AI will tell you whether it fits and which meaning you used.

Origin

It comes from Old French corage, which came from Latin cor, meaning "heart."