Valorousness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The trait characterized by bravery and courage is recognized as significant in overcoming challenges and difficulties in life
2. The state of having deep-seated bravery denotes a willingness to confront danger and adversity with resolve and strength
3. The quality of being marked by exceptional courage implies a readiness to face peril and hardship while standing firm and determined

Etymology: "Valorousness" is simply "valorous" with the suffix "-ness" added, and that suffix is one of English's most productive tools for turning an adjective into a noun naming a quality. "Valorous" is the adjective that gives the word its sense of great personal courage, and the suffix turns that adjective into an abstract noun meaning the state of being valorous. The result is a word that describes courage as a quality a person can possess, rather than the brave act itself. The base word, "valorous," carries the older idea of worth in its family. It is built on "valor," which came into English from French and ultimately from Latin "valor," meaning worth or strength, from "valere," to be strong or of value. The same root gave English "valiant" and "value," so the courage in "valorousness" is, at root, a kind of strength or worth shown in action.

Synonyms: bravery, courage

Antonyms: cowardice, fear