adjective

valorous

VAL-er-us/ˈvælərəs/

Showing great courage in the face of danger.

The valorous firefighter shields the younger man while guiding him away from flames.

An older firefighter braces at a smoke-filled doorway, shielding and guiding a younger man away from visible flames—a concrete act of courage in immediate danger.

Etymology

valLatinbe strong; be worth

+orLatinstate or quality

+ousFrenchhaving; displaying

The strength-and-worth root underlies valor, whose meanings include moral worth and courage. The adjective ending makes valorous describe someone or something displaying that courage.

In context

Libranima14:41

I have been at all times valorous, and wherever there has been hard fighting

The Iliad - Homer (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 2 of 2

More examples

The soldiers receive medals for their valorous defense of the town.
Her valorous actions during the rescue save three lives.
The memorial honors the valorous crew who stayed aboard the sinking ship.

Forms

valorous

valor noun — Great courage in facing serious danger.

valorously adverb — In a way that shows great courage.

Similar words

brave: More everyday; also describes courage without immediate physical danger.
courageous: Applies more broadly to facing danger, hardship, or opposition.
heroic: Emphasizes extraordinary deeds, often to protect or save others.