courage

/ˈkʌrɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɜːrɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkər-ij ˈkə-rij/ (ame, mw)

courage — noun

1. the quality of being able to stay calm and take action even though you feel afra

1.名詞B2
釋義

the quality of being able to stay calm and take action even though you feel afraid, especially when facing physical danger or pain

例句

Tendai showed great courage when he ran into the burning house to save his neighbour.

show courage + to-infinitive for brave action

Aylin needed a lot of courage to speak in front of two hundred people.

it takes + [amount of] courage + for [person] + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • bravery

    more about bold action, often used for soldiers or heroes; slightly less emphasis on inner fear

  • valour

    formal, especially in military contexts (UK spelling); very strong and heroic connotation

  • nerve

    informal; can mean courage (positive) or confidence bordering on rudeness (negative)

反義詞
  • cowardice

    the opposite quality — lack of courage, especially when facing danger

  • timidity

    shyness or lack of confidence that prevents action

文法句型

have/show/find + courage + to-infinitive

take/require + courage

用法筆記

Frequently used in contexts where someone overcomes fear to help others or achieve something difficult. Common collocation patterns: 'have the courage to', 'find the courage to', 'summon up the courage to'.

常見錯誤

❌He had the courage to play loud music at night disturbing everyone.
✅He had the nerve to play loud music at night disturbing everyone.
💡'courage' implies facing fear for a good reason; 'nerve' is used for negative boldness or cheekiness.

2. the ability to act according to your principles even when doing so involves pers

2.名詞B2
釋義

the ability to act according to your principles even when doing so involves personal risk or opposition from other people

例句

Aarav had the courage to report the unfair treatment at his workplace to the manager.

have the courage + to-infinitive — moral conviction

It takes real courage to stand up for your principles when everyone around you disagrees.

moral courage + stand up for

同義詞
  • conviction

    focuses on strength of belief itself, not the act of overcoming fear

  • backbone

    informal; implies firmness of character and unwillingness to give in to pressure

  • integrity

    the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; overlaps with moral courage but broader

反義詞
  • spinelessness

    informal; lack of moral strength or willingness to stand up for what is right

文法句型

have the courage + to-infinitive

moral courage + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Often combined with 'moral' to distinguish this sense from sense 1 (physical courage). The focus is on ethical conviction rather than overcoming fear of physical danger. Common in discussions about justice, whistleblowing, and personal integrity.

常見錯誤

❌She had the courage to quit her job without any plan for next month.
✅She had the courage to speak up about the unfair salaries at her company.
💡Courage (sense 2) is about doing what is right or principled, not about taking reckless risks.