Heroics

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /hɪˈɹəʊ.ɪks/

Definitions

1. Remarkable acts characterized by courage and selflessness in pursuit of a noble goal
2. Exceptional displays of bravery and determination often associated with heroic deeds and self-sacrifice
3. Actions that show outstanding bravery and boldness in challenging situations

Etymology: "Heroics" is a plain English formation: the noun "hero" with the plural suffix "-ics" added. The "-ics" ending, which comes from Greek plurals in "-ika" such as "physics" and "mathematics," is productive in English, and it attaches to words for activities or fields of study (acoustics, athletics, ethics). Attaching it to "hero" produced a noun for the conduct of heroes rather than for a single hero. The base word "hero" reaches English through Latin "heros" from Greek "hērōs," originally a term for a demigod or a figure of semi-divine lineage in myth. Its meaning drifted from those divine or legendary beings to brave men of any station. Heroics, the plural noun, carries that later sense: daring, self-sacrificing deeds performed for a worthy cause.

Synonyms: bravery, courage, gallantry, valor, daring

Antonyms: cowardice, timidity, fearfulness, weakness, faint-heartedness