heroism
gb/hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/ us/hˈɛɹoʊˌɪzəm/
B2
English
~ 8400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
property
1
great courage, often selfless
Very great courage, often when a person risks themselves to help other people in danger or in a very hard situation.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s heroism in [situation]
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.
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.)
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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.)
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selfishness (Thinking only about oneself; contrasts with the self‑sacrificing nature often implied by heroism.)
Collocations
act of heroism
|display of heroism
|everyday heroism
|heroism in the face of danger
|stories of heroism
|courage and heroism
Themes
emotions
|character
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The firefighter was given an award for his heroism during the apartment fire.
- Her quiet heroism in caring for her sick parents inspired everyone around her.
- 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.
- His heroism helped many children escape the burning school.
- 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.
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.