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.
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.
Compare this word
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