valiant
/ˈvæliənt/ (bre, ipa) · [vˈæljənt] /ˈvæliənt/ (ame, ipa) · [vˈæljənt] /ˈval-yənt/ (ame, mw)
valiant — adjective
- valiantpositive
- more valiantcomparative
- most valiantsuperlative
1. showing great courage and firm determination when facing something dangerous, di
showing great courage and firm determination when facing something dangerous, difficult, or that seems impossible to overcome — used to describe a person's character, actions, or efforts that you admire for their refusal to give up.
The firefighters made a valiant effort to rescue the family from the burning building.
valiant effort — common collocation
Despite the heavy rain, the hikers continued their valiant climb up the muddy mountain path.
valiant + noun (attempt/effort/climb/struggle)
Brooke made a valiant attempt to fix the old bicycle with only string and tape.
Rafael received a bravery award for his valiant actions during the earthquake rescue operation.
The school team put up a valiant fight, losing to the champions by one goal.
- brave
the most common, everyday word; valiant is stronger and more formal
- courageous
similar level of formality; focuses on facing fear rather than determination
- heroic
suggests exceptional bravery that inspires admiration in others
- gallant
old-fashioned or literary; suggests chivalrous, noble bravery
- cowardly
showing a lack of courage when facing danger or difficulty
用法筆記
Frequently used before a noun (valiant effort, valiant attempt, valiant struggle) to describe actions rather than people directly. When used before a person (a valiant soldier), it has a slightly old-fashioned or literary tone.
常見錯誤
valiant — noun
1. a person who shows great courage and firm determination, especially when fightin
a person who shows great courage and firm determination, especially when fighting for a cause or helping others in a dangerous situation — used mainly in literary or formal contexts.
The monument was built to honor the valiants who gave their lives in the war.
plural form valiants — rare
In the old legend, only the valiant could enter the sacred forest and return safely.
the valiant (singular collective)
Amara thought of the rescue workers as modern-day valiants who risk everything for strangers.
The story celebrates the valiant, the ones who stood firm when others ran away.
- hero
much more common; a person admired for courage or noble qualities
- braveheart
informal and literary; a person who shows courage
用法筆記
The noun form is much less common than the adjective. It is typically used in the plural (the valiants) or as a collective singular (the valiant). The singular countable use (a valiant) is very rare and sounds archaic.