valor
gb/vˈælɚ/ us/vˈælɚ/
C1
English
~ 8600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
property
1
bravery in the face of danger
Very strong courage, especially when a person faces danger or a fight.
Usage pattern:
valor in [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "valor" with "value" because the words look similar; however, "valor" means courage, while "value" usually means worth. Another common mistake is using "valor" in very casual speech where "bravery" or "courage" would sound more natural. Also note that British English usually spells this word "valour."
Synonyms
bravery (Most general and common word for not being afraid in danger.)
|
courage (Very close in meaning; more common and neutral than the formal-sounding "valor.")
|
heroism (Suggests brave actions that are especially selfless or admired by others.)
|
gallantry (Formal or literary; often used for brave behavior in war, sometimes with an old-fashioned tone.)
Antonyms
cowardice (Refers to a lack of courage, especially when courage is expected.)
|
fearfulness (Emphasizes being easily afraid instead of brave in danger.)
|
timidity (Suggests being shy or not willing to face danger or difficulty.)
Collocations
acts of valor
|medal of valor
|display great valor
|personal valor
|military valor
|battlefield valor
Themes
emotions
|character
|military
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- The soldier received a medal for his valor during the rescue mission.
- Stories of her valor on the battlefield quickly spread through the town.
- Their extraordinary valor under heavy fire saved many lives.
- The general praised the unit's valor in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Museums often honor the valor of those who fought in past wars.
Learner examples
- The firefighter showed great valor when he ran into the burning house.
- They gave her an award for her valor in the war.
- We will never forget the valor of these young men.
- His parents were proud of his valor in the rescue.
- People respect the valor of those who risk their lives for others.
Noun
formal
C2
property
2
moral courage in difficult choices
The courage to do the right thing, even when it is hard or dangerous for you.
Usage pattern:
valor to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners may think "valor" is used only for physical fighting or war, but it can also describe moral courage in social, political, or personal situations. In everyday speech, though, people more often say "courage" or "guts" for this idea; using "valor" can sound formal or literary.
Synonyms
moral courage (Direct phrase for courage to follow one's values; not limited to physical danger.)
|
integrity (Focuses more on honesty and strong principles; it can include but is not limited to courage.)
|
fortitude (Highlights patient strength and firmness in facing pain, criticism, or hardship.)
Antonyms
cowardice (In this context, not standing up for what is right because of fear.)
|
conformity (Suggests going along with others instead of bravely holding a different, right view.)
Collocations
moral valor
|political valor
|intellectual valor
|valor to speak out
|valor to admit [something]
Themes
emotions
|character
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She showed remarkable moral valor by testifying against her corrupt boss.
- It takes real valor to admit your mistakes in front of the whole team.
- The journalist's valor in reporting the truth inspired many others to speak up.
- He lacked the valor to challenge the unfair policy publicly.
- Their political valor cost them their positions but earned them deep respect.
Learner examples
- She had the valor to say the truth, even when people were angry.
- It takes valor to say, "I was wrong."
- He did not have the valor to stand up to his friends.
- The student showed valor when she spoke against bullying.
- They praised his valor for fighting for equal rights.
Grammar
Dictionary form
valor
IPA
GB/vˈælɚ/
US/vˈælɚ/
Syllables & stress
val - or (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (val)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: valor
- Plural: valor
Word family
Expressions
act of valor
1/ˈækt əv vˈælɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
single deed of great bravery
One action that clearly shows great courage, especially in a dangerous moment.
Examples
- His quick decision to shield the child was an incredible act of valor.
- The film is based on a real act of valor during the war.
- Each act of valor by the rescue team saved more lives.
badge of valor
1/bˈæd͡ʒ əv vˈælɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
badge signifying recognized bravery
An official sign or metal piece that someone wears to show they were honored for great courage.
Examples
- The officer wore his badge of valor on his uniform during the parade.
- Receiving a badge of valor is one of the highest honors in the department.
- Her badge of valor reminded her of the lives she had helped save.
display valor
1/dɪsplˈeɪ vˈælɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
show great courage in action
To act in a way that clearly shows you are very brave.
Examples
- The crew displayed remarkable valor during the storm at sea.
- Civilians also displayed valor by helping the wounded after the attack.
- She displayed great valor when she refused to leave her patients behind.
medal of valor
1/mˈɛdəl əv vˈælɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
official medal for bravery
A special metal award given to someone for great courage in a dangerous situation, often in the military or emergency services.
Examples
- The firefighter received a medal of valor for rescuing three children from the burning building.
- Several police officers were awarded the medal of valor at the annual ceremony.
- He keeps his medal of valor in a small box on his desk.
show valor
1/ʃˈoʊ vˈælɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
act in a bravely courageous way
To act in a way that proves you are brave, especially in danger.
Examples
- Many ordinary people showed valor during the flood.
- You do not have to be a soldier to show valor.
- They showed great valor by going back into the building to help others.
discretion is the better part of valor
1/dɪskɹˈɛʃən ˈɪz ðə bˈɛtɚ pˈɑɹt əv vˈælɚ/
idiom
literary
caution is wiser than bravery
It is often smarter to be careful and avoid danger than to be brave and take a big risk.
Examples
- He decided not to confront his boss; sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
- He wanted to argue, but decided that discretion is the better part of valor and kept quiet.
- We chose to cancel the climb, believing that discretion is the better part of valor.
- Remember, discretion is the better part of valor—there’s no need to climb in that storm.
- She thought about confronting her boss, but chose to wait, believing that discretion is the better part of valor.