adjective / noun
heroic
huh-ROH-ik/həˈrəʊɪk/
Displaying exceptional courage in meeting a great challenge.
A heroic young woman carries an older woman past the flames.
Etymology
Greek hērōs denoted a demi-god or hero. Describing someone as having a hero’s qualities extends that exceptional stature to great courage or nobility; the noun’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
not truly the most noble embodiment of the heroic ideal to sacrifice all that you are and were piece by piece
More examples
- Firefighters make a heroic effort to reach the trapped miners.
- She remains heroic in the face of threats against her family.
- The crew's heroics save several passengers during the storm.
Forms
heroic · more heroic · most heroic · heroics
heroically adverb — With exceptional courage in difficult circumstances.
heroism noun — Exceptional courage shown in facing danger.
Similar words
- brave
- Broader term for facing fear, without implying exceptional deeds.
- courageous
- Emphasizes confronting fear or difficulty rather than extraordinary achievement.
- valiant
- Emphasizes determined bravery in a struggle, even without success.