Courages

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Displays or possesses the quality of inner strength and bravery to face fear or adversity ; inspires or motivates others to act boldly or confidently despite challenges ; manifests determination and resilience in difficult or dangerous situations
2. Exhibits the mental or moral strength required to confront danger, pain, or hardship ; encourages others to overcome hesitation by embodying fearless or confident behavior ; shows steadfastness and bravery when confronted with obstacles or threats
3. Demonstrates a firm resolve and the ability to endure fear or difficulty ; fosters confidence and boldness in oneself and others by example ; sustains a courageous attitude that helps face turmoil or uncertainty with bravery

Etymology: The plural "courages" is a rare form of "courage", meaning several acts or instances of bravery. The noun itself descends from Latin "cor", meaning "heart", through a chain of Latin adjectives and Old French, which is why bravery was once understood as a matter of the heart. Its Latin ancestor "corāticum" was a derived form built on "cor", and it passed into Middle English as "corage" before taking its modern spelling. English had its own word for this quality before the French one arrived. Old English "ellen" meant courage or valor, and it was pushed aside by "corage" in Middle English. Both words express bravery, but they come from entirely different roots: one a native Germanic word, the other an imported Latin idea of the heart as the seat of feeling.

Synonyms: bravery, valor, fearlessness, boldness, gallantry

Antonyms: cowardice, timidity, fear, weakness, pusillanimity