What does valorous mean?
Valorous is an adjective describing people or actions marked by courage, especially courage displayed in battle, under threat, or in defence of others. It often carries a strongly approving, elevated tone: calling someone valorous presents their bravery as admirable and worthy of respect rather than merely noting that they were not afraid. In contemporary writing, the word can extend beyond military contexts, as in a valorous act of honesty or compassion, though such figurative uses are less common than traditional references to soldiers, defenders, or heroes. The adjective is formal and literary in tone and may sound deliberate or old-fashioned in ordinary conversation. It is useful when the significance of the courage matters, since it suggests firmness, moral resolve, and action in the face of danger. Valorous is well understood in British and American English and is normally used to praise rather than neutrally describe behaviour.
adjectiveShowing courage and bravery, especially in battle or when facing danger.
- Showing courage and bravery, especially in battle or when facing danger.
"The valorous defenders held the pass until reinforcements arrived."
"The valorous defenders held the pass until reinforcements arrived."
"Her valorous decision to tell the truth cost her the promotion she had worked years to earn."
From the Latin valere, meaning “to be strong” or “to have worth,” valorous points to strength of character as well as courage in danger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does valorous come from?
Valorous entered English in the late 16th century from the Latin valorosus, meaning “brave” or “courageous.” It was formed from valor, “bravery, worth, or excellence,” which in turn came from valere, “to be strong” or “to have worth.” Related English words include valour, valiant, valid, and prevail.
Related word forms
How valorous is actually used
Formal and elevated in tone, often literary, archaic, or commemorative. It normally expresses admiration and may sound deliberately emphatic or old-fashioned in casual speech.
Easily confused with valorous
Valour is a noun meaning courage or bravery, whereas valorous is the adjective describing someone or something that displays it.