Valor

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈvælɚ/

Definitions

1. The quality of showing exceptional bravery and heroism, particularly in combat situations
2. A trait characterized by fearless and noble courage in the face of danger, often in war
3. The possession of strength of mind that enables one to face danger with boldness and determination

Etymology: The Latin "valor" meant something close to "worth" or "strength" before it came to mean courage. It comes from "valere," "to be strong, be worth, be well," the same root behind "value" and "valiant." English borrowed the word through Anglo-Norman, the French variety spoken by the post-Conquest ruling class in England, and Middle English speakers wrote it as "valour." That English form and its near-twin "valure" were doublets, two forms of one word that entered by different routes. The American spelling "valor" is simply the version that lost the "u," a change that followed Noah Webster's push to simplify English spelling in the United States. The sense has stayed narrow: it names bravery shown in battle or in dangerous action, rather than courage in general.

Synonyms: bravery, courage, heroism, gallantry, intrepidity

Antonyms: cowardice, fear, timidity, weakness, meekness