Valor
noun /ˈvæl.ər/ — Great courage in the face of danger; heroic bravery
Definition
Great courage shown in the face of danger — particularly in battle or in circumstances demanding physical and moral bravery. The word implies that the courage has been tested and has held.
Beyond the definition
Courage that the moment demanded. Valor is not general bravery — it is bravery called out by specific circumstances, the demonstration of what a person contains when the situation requires everything.
Origin & history
From Old French 'valor' (value, worth, courage) — from Late Latin 'valor' (value) — from 'valere' (to be strong, to be worth). Related to 'value', 'valid', and 'valiant'. Courage as a form of worth — the quality that makes a person valuable when it matters most.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The medal was for valor — the specific official recognition that someone did something requiring physical courage that most people do not have.
Moral valor is harder to assess than physical valor, which is why it is less often decorated.
The valor of the ordinary: the courage required to maintain integrity across decades without a single dramatic moment to point to.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Valor” when the meaning fits your context: Great courage shown in the face of danger — particularly in battle or in circumstances demanding physical and moral bravery. The word implies that the courage has been tested and has held.
Synonyms
bravery, courage, heroism, gallantry, fortitude
Antonyms
cowardice, timidity, faint-heartedness
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Valor" mean?
Valor is noun meaning: Great courage in the face of danger; heroic bravery. Great courage shown in the face of danger — particularly in battle or in circumstances demanding physical and moral bravery. The word implies that the courage has been tested and has held.
Where does the word "Valor" come from?
From Old French 'valor' (value, worth, courage) — from Late Latin 'valor' (value) — from 'valere' (to be strong, to be worth). Related to 'value', 'valid', and 'valiant'. Courage as a form of worth — the quality that makes a person valuable when it matters most.