n.
Pronunciation: ' k ə r-ij, ' k ə -rij
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English corage, from Anglo-French curage, from quer, coer heart, from Latin cor ― more at HEART
Date: 14th century
: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
synonyms COURAGE , METTLE , SPIRIT , RESOLUTION , TENACITY mean mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship. COURAGE implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty <the courage to support unpopular causes>. METTLE suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience <a challenge that will test your mettle >. SPIRIT also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened <her spirit was unbroken by failure>. RESOLUTION stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends <the resolution of pioneer women>. TENACITY adds to RESOLUTION implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat <held to their beliefs with great tenacity >.