What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brave
Example
He was brave enough to jump into the river and save the drowning child. [brave: adjective]
Example
She bravely stood up to the bully, refusing to be intimidated. [bravely: adverb]
courageous
Example
The firefighters showed courageous acts of bravery while rescuing people from the burning building. [courageous: adjective]
Example
She made a courageous decision to pursue her dreams despite the challenges. [courageous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brave is more commonly used in everyday language compared to courageous. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe acts of bravery or courageous individuals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brave and courageous?
While brave is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, courageous is generally considered more formal. It is often used in more serious or professional settings to describe individuals who display courage or strength in challenging situations.
