French word

brave

Pronunciation

IPA/bʁav/

Meaning

  • adjectivecourageous

Example

C'est brave d'affronter ses peurs.

It is courageous to face one's fears.

Illustration for brave (courageous)

More examples

Sois brave et dis la vérité.

Be brave and tell the truth.

Core concept

A person who stands firm and acts boldly when circumstances are difficult.

Common phrases

  • être brave

    be brave

  • un acte brave

    a brave act

  • une personne brave

    a brave person

Similar words

courageux: Acting with courage despite fear or anxiety.

Definition in French

Qui fait preuve d'audace ou de fermeté dans une situation difficile.

Word origin

French brave entered in the sixteenth century from Italian bravo, which already expressed boldness and courage.

Usage tips

  • In brave homme, brave can mean a good, honest, or kind man rather than a courageous man.

Other meanings

  • decentadjective

Opposites

  • lâchecowardlyadjective
  • peureuxfearfuladjective

Related words

Word lists with this word