Courage vs Bravery
Courage and bravery are often considered synonymous in the English language, which can lead to confusion when trying to differentiate between the two. For instance, if a man risks his life by entering a burning building to save a child, would you call it courage or bravery? Although some people think that these two words are interchangeable, there is a difference between courage and bravery that will be clarified in this article.
To make the situation more complex, let’s consider a few more words, such as intrepid, bold, resolute, confident, and fearlessness. There are numerous words to describe a person’s attributes, but which are most applicable? For example, a child who doesn’t cry or flinch while getting vaccinated might be called a brave boy. However, what word would you use to describe a man who confronts a lion in a jungle, unarmed? Sheer courage, possibly. So, how can we differentiate between these two acts of a child receiving an injection and a man engaging a lion despite having no chance against it?
What does Bravery mean?
Bravery awards are given to those who have shown exceptional courage in situations that were completely against them, or when they acted impulsively to save others or themselves from imminent danger. Bravery and courage are acts of valor that reflect a person’s strength of character and a degree of intrepid behavior that is uncommon. Bravery has its roots in the Spanish word bravado, which means a display of a singular act of valor. Unlike courage that is pre-planned and premeditated, bravery occurs spontaneously and seems more like a knee-jerk reaction than a carefully thought-out action.
What does Courage mean?
Courage comes from the French word coeur, meaning heart. It is a quality that allows a person to have control in diverse conditions, conquering fear in their mind. Examples of physical courage can be seen when a soldier, despite being badly wounded, does not give up and completes their mission. This courage comes from inner conviction and patriotism that enables them to continue in the face of adversity. Moral courage involves taking responsibility for an act that brings shame and abuse from others, but the person is prepared to face opposition and displays courage by being honest with themselves.
What is the difference between Courage and Bravery?
• Bravery and courage have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably by people.
• However, bravery tends to be more of a spontaneous, knee-jerk reaction, whereas courage is more premeditated and planned.
• Courage has several underlying factors, such as love, faithfulness, loyalty, honesty, and patriotism.
• Bravery involves fearlessness in the face of adversity without considering the danger to one’s life.
For example, if a man commits suicide, he may show courage by making a plan and executing it, but would you ever consider his act as a brave act?
Key Takeaways
- Bravery is often a spontaneous, knee-jerk reaction to adversity or danger, whereas courage is more premeditated and planned.
- Courage can involve various underlying factors, including love, faithfulness, loyalty, honesty, and patriotism.
- Bravery involves fearlessness in the face of adversity without considering the danger to one’s life, while courage often implies a deeper understanding of the risks involved.
