Braving

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈbɹeɪvɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Confronting challenges or dangers with resolute courage
2. Meeting hazardous situations with steadfast bravery
3. Enduring risky or difficult scenarios by showing fearless determination

Etymology: "Braving" is the present participle of "brave", so its history runs through the adjective. The adjective came into English from Middle French "brave", which was borrowed from Italian "bravo". The Italian source is of uncertain origin, though the English word and its Italian cousin are doublets, meaning two forms descended from the same source that entered the language by different routes. "Bravo" in Italian kept a sense close to "bold" or "daring", which is why the English cognate of the adjective was once a broad term for courage and also for showy, splendid appearance. The verb "braver" in Middle French was formed from the adjective and carried the sense of defying or facing someone or something boldly. English took up this verb as "brave", meaning to confront a danger or hardship without flinching. The present participle "braving" thus preserves that original idea of meeting something head-on rather than merely feeling courageous inside.

Synonyms: facing, confronting, daring, challenging

Antonyms: fleeing, evading