French word

héroïque

Pronunciation

IPA/eʁoik/

Meaning

  • adjectivebrave

Example

La pompière a été héroïque en entrant dans la maison en feu.

The female firefighter was brave when she entered the burning house.

Illustration for héroïque (brave)

More examples

Le geste héroïque du voisin a sauvé la petite fille.

The neighbor's heroic act saved the little girl.

Core concept

A person or deed rising above ordinary courage when danger or sacrifice is unavoidable.

Common phrases

  • geste héroïque

    heroic act

  • comportement héroïque

    heroic behavior

Similar words

courageux: Willing to act fearlessly in the face of danger.
brave: Meeting difficult situations with courage.

Definition in French

Qui manifeste un courage remarquable, notamment face à un danger réel ou à un grand sacrifice.

Word origin

French héroïque is a learned borrowing from Latin heroic(us), based on Greek hērōikos from hērōs, meaning hero.

Usage tips

  • Héroïque suggests exceptional courage or sacrifice, while courageux or brave usually fits ordinary everyday bravery better.

Other meanings

  • heroicadjective

Opposites

  • lâchecowardlyadjective
  • peureuxfearfuladjective

Related words

  • héroïsmeheroismnoun
  • héroïquementheroicallyadverb

Word lists with this word