What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
valor
Example
The soldier showed great valor on the battlefield. [valor: noun]
Example
She acted with valor when she rescued the drowning child. [valor: noun]
heroism
Example
His heroism during the earthquake saved many lives. [heroism: noun]
Example
She was hailed as a hero for her heroic actions during the fire. [heroic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heroism is more commonly used than valor in everyday language. Heroism is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while valor is less common and is often associated with military or combat situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between valor and heroism?
Valor has a more formal and serious connotation than heroism, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.