noun
bravado
bruh-VAH-doh/brəˈvɑːdəʊ/
A show of boldness meant to impress others or hide fear.
The man's chest-out bravado fails to conceal his strained expression and retreating stance.
Etymology
Italian bravata meant bragging or boasting. That emphasis on displaying boldness, rather than simply possessing courage, explains why bravado is confidence performed for an audience.
In context
can't fake confidence is like bravado, right? And you're you're putting on an act.
More examples
- She dismissed his threats as empty bravado.
- A little bravado helped him face the hostile crowd.
- The soldiers' bravado faded when the shelling began.
Forms
bravado
Similar words
- courage
- Courage involves facing danger; bravado emphasizes the outward show of boldness.