courageous
gb/kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs/ us/kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs/
B2
English
~ 8100
bátor
B2
1
bátor
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is courageous (enough) to [verb]
The firefighters were incredibly courageous as they ran into the burning building.
A tűzoltók hihetetlenül bátrak voltak, amikor berohantak az égő épületbe.
She was courageous enough to leave a toxic relationship and start over.
Elég bátor volt ahhoz, hogy kilépjen egy mérgező kapcsolatból, és újrakezdje az életét.
It takes a courageous person to speak the truth when everyone else stays silent.
He made a courageous decision to donate a kidney to his brother.
Young nurses on the front line of the epidemic proved remarkably courageous.
Learner examples
The young girl was very courageous and helped her friend.
A kislány nagyon bátor volt, és segített a barátjának.
He felt scared, but he tried to be courageous.
Félt, de próbált bátor lenni.
My grandmother is courageous because she lives alone and never complains.
The soldier was tired but stayed courageous in the fight.
You must be courageous when you talk about this problem.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'courageous' with 'encouraging'. 'Courageous' describes someone who is brave, while 'encouraging' describes something that gives hope or support. Another mistake is using the verb *be* with 'courage' directly (e.g., *He is courage*). The correct forms are *He is courageous* (adjective) or *He has courage* (noun).
Meaning
brave and not easily scared
Collocations
courageous leader
|courageous woman
|courageous man
|courageous child
|courageous firefighter
|courageous soldier
Synonyms
brave (Most common and general word; slightly simpler and more informal than 'courageous'.)
|
bold (Stresses confidence and willingness to take risks; can also suggest being a bit reckless.)
|
fearless (Suggests having almost no fear at all, stronger than 'courageous'.)
|
valiant (More literary or formal; often used for noble or heroic courage.)
Antonyms
cowardly (Describes someone who is too afraid to face danger or difficulty.)
|
timid (Suggests shy, nervous, or easily frightened behavior, especially in social or challenging situations.)
Themes
character
|emotions
|social
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not afraid to do something dangerous, painful, or difficult, even when it is very hard or scary.
Having the quality of being brave and willing to face danger, pain, or difficulty, especially when others might be afraid.
B2
2
bátor
A2
Usage pattern:
a courageous [decision/action/choice/stand]
It was a courageous decision to close the factory in order to protect the environment.
Bátor döntés volt bezárni a gyárat a környezet védelme érdekében.
Her courageous stand against corruption inspired many others to speak out.
A korrupció elleni bátor kiállása sokakat arra ösztönzött, hogy ők is felszólaljanak.
Publishing the report was a courageous act by the journalist.
The company took a courageous step by admitting its mistakes publicly.
Voting against his own party was a politically courageous move.
Learner examples
Quitting his job without another offer was a courageous choice.
Felmondani úgy, hogy nem volt másik állásajánlata, bátor döntés volt.
Saying sorry in public was a courageous act.
Nyilvánosan bocsánatot kérni bátor tett volt.
Starting a business during a crisis is a courageous decision.
The teacher made a courageous move and changed the whole plan.
Writing that letter to her boss was a courageous step.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'courageous' where 'confident' or 'strong' is more natural, for example *a courageous password* or *a courageous color*. 'Courageous' should be used when real danger, risk, or strong social pressure is involved, not just when something is powerful or noticeable.
Meaning
showing bravery in actions
Collocations
courageous decision
|courageous choice
|courageous act
|courageous step
|courageous stand
|courageous move
Synonyms
bold (Emphasizes being confident and willing to break normal limits or rules.)
|
daring (Highlights risk-taking and willingness to do very dangerous or surprising things.)
|
gutsy (Informal; stresses having a lot of nerve or inner strength in taking a risk.)
Antonyms
cautious (Emphasizes being careful and avoiding risk, the opposite of a brave or risky choice.)
|
safe (Describes actions or decisions that avoid risk, unlike courageous ones which accept risk.)
Themes
social
|work
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Describes a choice, action, or thing that shows bravery because it is risky or unpopular.
Describing an action, decision, or statement that clearly shows bravery because it involves risk, sacrifice, or strong opposition.
Grammar
Dictionary form
courageous
IPA
GB/kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs/
US/kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs/
Syllables & stress
cour - ageous (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cour)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: courageous
Word family
Core family
courage
noun B1
courageously
adverb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
courageousness
noun
Expressions
bold and courageous
1/bˈoʊld ˈænd kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs/
fixed phrase
very brave and willing to risk
Describes someone or something that is not only brave but very ready to take big risks.
Examples
- The plan was bold and courageous, but it saved the company.
- We need leaders who are bold and courageous in times of crisis.
courageous conversation
1/kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
honest talk about hard topics
An open and honest talk about a difficult or sensitive subject, even though it may feel uncomfortable or risky.
Examples
- The manager encouraged staff to have a courageous conversation about racism in the workplace.
- We finally had a courageous conversation about our marriage problems instead of avoiding them.
courageous leadership
1/kɚˈeɪd͡ʒəs lˈidɚʃˌɪp/
fixed phrase
formal
leadership that shows bravery
A style of leading people where the leader is ready to make hard, risky, or unpopular decisions because they believe it is the right thing to do.
Examples
- The CEO was praised for her courageous leadership during the financial crisis.
- Courageous leadership means telling the truth even when people do not want to hear it.