Valiant
adjective /ˈvæliənt/ — Brave in a way that asks for nothing in return.
Definition
Possessing or showing courage and determination, especially in difficult circumstances.
Beyond the definition
Valiant isn't about fearlessness — it's about doing the brave thing despite fear. Every person who has tried something genuinely hard and kept going deserves this word.
Origin & history
From Old French vaillant and Latin valere — to be strong. The root idea: having the strength to stand.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She made a valiant effort to finish the project despite everything working against her.
His valiant stand against the tide of opinion earned him admiration long after.
Valiant doesn't mean victorious — it means you showed up anyway.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Valiant” when the meaning fits your context: Possessing or showing courage and determination, especially in difficult circumstances.
Synonyms
courageous, brave, heroic, gallant, intrepid, bold
Antonyms
cowardly, timid, fearful
Related words
Valiant vs brave
Brave is a general term for having courage. Valiant feels more formal and noble, often associated with historical or chivalric acts of courage that serve a larger, righteous purpose.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Neighbors Repairing Storm Damage
Neighbors work together in a storm-damaged courtyard garden, staking a bent plant and clearing broken branches beside a cracked planter.
Valiant behavior often involves courage shown in difficult, everyday circumstances. The neighbors' persistent effort to restore their shared space after a storm illustrates a determination to carry on, showing the quiet, resilient courage that holds firm even when facing the aftermath of a damaging, external force.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Valiant" mean?
Valiant is adjective meaning: Brave in a way that asks for nothing in return.. Possessing or showing courage and determination, especially in difficult circumstances.
Where does the word "Valiant" come from?
From Old French vaillant and Latin valere — to be strong. The root idea: having the strength to stand.