What does valiant mean?
Valiant means brave and determined in the face of danger, hardship, or conflict, often with the additional suggestion that the courage displayed is honorable or selfless. The adjective can describe people, such as soldiers, defenders, or rescuers, as well as actions, efforts, and examples of conduct. It appears especially often in historical narratives, commemorations, and formal praise, where it carries more weight than the broader word brave. For instance, calling someone a valiant soldier suggests not only fearlessness but also duty and readiness to protect others. Although valiant can be used in everyday speech, its elevated and approving tone makes it more characteristic of literature, journalism, ceremonies, and official tributes. The word also has a rare literary use as a noun for a brave or honorable person, especially a warrior.
Brave and honorable, especially when confronting danger, hardship, or conflict.
"The valiant crew returned safely after battling the severe storm."
Formal and commendatory; it often implies that courage is combined with honor, duty, or selflessness.
A brave or honorable person, especially a warrior or defender.
"The queen rewarded the valiant who had defended the citadel."
Rare and literary; in modern writing it is often encountered substantivally in the phrase “the valiant.”
The noun is rare and literary; “the valiant” is the usual collective expression.
"The eighty brave children were the valiant who rescued their classmates."
Valiant belongs to the same Latin family as valour and valor: its distant meaning is “be strong.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does valiant come from?
Valiant entered Middle English through Anglo-French and Old French vaillant, a word meaning “strong” or “worthy” and associated with the action of being strong. Its deeper source is the Latin verb valere, meaning “to be strong” or “to be well.” The same root produced English words such as valour, valor, and valorous, making valiant part of a wider family expressing strength and courage.
Related word forms
How valiant is actually used
Valiant is a formal, commendatory word. It is especially common in historical, literary, and commemorative contexts and often conveys moral courage or selflessness as well as physical bravery. As a noun, it is rare and literary.
Easily confused with valiant
Valiant describes courage or honorable determination, whereas valid means sound, legitimate, or logically justified.