easy
It was brave to admit the mistake.
What does Brave mean?
Brave means showing courage while facing fear or difficulty, or facing it courageously.
Dictionary definition
Showing mental or moral strength when facing fear, danger, pain, difficulty, or uncertainty; as a verb, to brave something means to face or endure it courageously.
Example sentences
Brave in a sentence
medium
The hikers braved the cold wind to reach shelter.
hard
Sam put on a brave face while waiting for the difficult test results.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Brave
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does brave mean?
A brave person may feel fear but acts with mental or moral strength.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses brave as a verb?
Here braved is a verb meaning faced or endured courageously.
Practice 3
Which statement about brave is accurate?
Bravery is courage shown while facing fear, danger, pain, difficulty, or uncertainty.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
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Brave
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WordBrave.
Partadjective, verb.
MeaningBrave means showing courage while facing fear or difficulty, or facing it courageously.
ExampleExample: It was brave to admit the mistake.
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Synonyms
Words like Brave
courageousThe closest general synonym for showing courage in danger, fear, or difficulty.
boldUse for confident willingness to take a risk; bold action can be brave, but it can also be careless.
fearlessUse for showing little or no fear; brave more often allows fear to be present.
faceA verb synonym when brave means to confront or endure something difficult.
Antonyms
Opposite words
cowardlyThe strongest character contrast for failing to act because of fear; it can sound judgmental, so use it carefully.
timidA qualified contrast for lacking confidence or boldness, though caution and timidity are not moral failures.
avoidA verb contrast when someone stays away from a difficulty instead of braving it, though avoidance can sometimes be wise.
Synonym practice
Want to practice brave synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The brave firefighter carried the child to safety," then compare close word choices. Practice brave synonyms.
Word family
Brave word family
Base word
brave
adverb
bravely
In a way that shows courage.
noun
bravery
Courageous behavior or character.
adjective
braver
The comparative form: more brave.
adjective
bravest
The superlative form: most brave.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Brave
Hint for students
Find the fear, danger, pain, difficulty, or uncertainty, then identify the strength used to face or endure it.
Common mix-up
Afraid is not the opposite of brave because a person can feel afraid and still act bravely. Brave is also not the same as reckless, and an old-fashioned noun use for an Indigenous warrior is often considered offensive.
Try it in class or at home
Students sort scenarios into brave, reckless, cautious, and ordinary, then justify each choice by naming the risk, purpose, likely consequences, and safer alternatives.
Teacher prompt
Compare a brave person, braving bad weather, and putting on a brave face. Ask how courage appears in the adjective, verb, and idiom.
Word category
Explore more feelings words
This word is part of WordHive's feelings words collection. Browse more emotion words, compare close meanings, and practice using them in sentences.
Learning activities
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