French word

courage

Pronunciation

IPA/kuʁaʒ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbravery

Example

Il faut du courage pour essayer.

It takes bravery to try.

Illustration for courage (bravery)

More examples

Elle a fait preuve de courage pendant l'entretien.

She showed courage during the interview.

Core concept

A person standing firm before a difficult action, with fear present but not in control.

Common phrases

  • avoir du courage

    have courage

  • manquer de courage

    lack courage

  • faire preuve de courage

    show courage

Similar words

cran: A brief show of nerve when facing a difficult situation.
audace: The quality of taking bold action without hesitation.
détermination: A firm will to follow through on a decision.
ténacité: The quality of persisting despite obstacles.

Definition in French

Force morale qui permet d'affronter la peur, le risque ou la difficulté.

Word origin

French courage descends through Old French corage from Vulgar Latin coraticum, based on Latin cor, meaning "heart", and its sense developed from inner spirit to bravery.

Usage tips

  • Courage is masculine, so the fixed expression is bon courage, not bonne courage.

Other meanings

  • hang in thereinterjection
  • nervenoun
  • mettlenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word