brave
//bɹeɪv//
Forms
- Comparative
- braver
- Superlative
- bravest
- present (v1)
- brave
- past (v2)
- braved
- past participle (v3)
- braved
- present participle
- braving
- 3rd person singular
- braves
Definitions
1.Strong in the face of fear; courageous.
- Huntingdon's ferocity makes the reaction of staff all the more brave. To move towards danger when others are fleeing is the definition of bravery in my book. To place yourself in danger to protect others.
2.Making a fine show or display.
- Wear my dagger with the braver grace.
- Frog and lizard in holiday coats / And turtle brave in his golden spots.
- For I have gold, and therefore will be brave. / In silks I'll rattle it of every color.
3.Foolish or unwise.
1.To encounter or withstand with courage and fortitude, to defy, to provoke.
- After braving tricks on the high-dive, he braved a jump off the first diving platform.
- He braved the storm and spent the night outside. In the morning, he braved his parents' wrath.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3863
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle French brave, borrowed from Italian bravo, itself of uncertain origin (see there).
Doublet of bravo.