heroism
gb/hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/ us/hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
B2
English
~ 8400
hősiesség
NOUN
B2
1
hősiesség
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s heroism in [situation]
The firefighter was given an award for his heroism during the apartment fire.
A tűzoltó kitüntetést kapott a lakástűz során tanúsított hősiességéért.
Her quiet heroism in caring for her sick parents inspired everyone around her.
Csendes hősiessége, amellyel beteg szüleit gondozta, mindenkit megihletett maga körül.
Stories of medical staff’s heroism filled the news during the crisis.
The captain’s heroism saved dozens of passengers when the ferry began to sink.
They spoke about the everyday heroism of volunteers who help the homeless.
Learner examples
We thanked the doctor for her heroism during the flood.
Köszönetet mondtunk az orvosnak az árvíz idején tanúsított hősiességéért.
His heroism helped many children escape the burning school.
Hősiessége sok gyermeknek segített kijutni az égő iskolából.
People will remember her heroism for many years.
The movie shows the heroism of soldiers in war.
Their heroism gave hope to the whole town.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "heroism" (a general quality or kind of behavior) with "a hero" (a person). For example, "He is a heroism" is incorrect; it should be "He is a hero" or "He showed heroism." Also, some learners use "heroism" where the simpler word "courage" or "bravery" would sound more natural in everyday speech.
Meaning
great courage, often selfless
Collocations
act of heroism
|display of heroism
|everyday heroism
|heroism in the face of danger
|stories of heroism
|courage and heroism
Synonyms
bravery (A more general and common word; does not always suggest the same level of self‑sacrifice as heroism.)
|
valor (More formal and often used for courage in war or battle; close in meaning to heroism in military contexts.)
|
courage (Broad term for not being stopped by fear; heroism usually suggests a higher or more extraordinary level of courage.)
Antonyms
cowardice (Lack of courage, especially when courage is expected or needed; opposite of heroism in moral tone.)
|
selfishness (Thinking only about oneself; contrasts with the self‑sacrificing nature often implied by heroism.)
Themes
emotions
|character
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very great courage, often when a person risks themselves to help other people in danger or in a very hard situation.
The quality or behavior of showing very great courage, often involving risk or self‑sacrifice, especially to help others in danger or serious difficulty.
Grammar
Dictionary form
heroism
IPA
GB/hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
US/hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
hero - ism (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (hero)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: heroism
- Plural: heroism
Word family
Expressions
act of heroism
1/ˈækt əv hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
a single very brave deed
One action where someone shows very great courage, often to help other people in danger.
Examples
- His quick thinking and calm under pressure were praised as an act of heroism.
- Pulling the child from the river was a real act of heroism.
everyday heroism
1/ˈɛvɹidˈeɪ hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
small brave acts in daily life
Brave or very kind actions done by normal people in normal life, not in a big famous event.
Examples
- The article celebrates the everyday heroism of caregivers looking after sick family members.
- We should recognize the everyday heroism of people who stand up against bullying.
quiet heroism
1/kwˈaɪət hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
unnoticed or modest heroism
Heroism that is done calmly and without talking about it, so that many people do not see or praise it.
Examples
- The film focuses on the quiet heroism of a teacher working in a poor neighborhood.
- There is a quiet heroism in the way he supports his family through hard times.
true heroism
1/tɹˈu hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
genuine, selfless courage
Heroism that is real and honest, usually because the person is not thinking about reward or fame.
Examples
- For her, true heroism means helping others even when nobody is watching.
- The speaker said that true heroism is often found in simple, everyday choices.