Word: courage

Associations

Courage is the ability to face fear, danger, or difficulty with confidence and bravery. It is often associated with qualities like determination and strength.

• Example 1: A soldier shows courage when facing enemy fire. This is a clear situation where bravery is essential.
• Example 2: Speaking in front of a large crowd takes courage for many people, as public speaking can be very frightening.
• Example 3: Helping a friend in trouble shows courage, especially when it requires standing up to others or risking personal safety.

The well-known synonym for courage is "bravery." The main difference is that courage often implies a decision to act despite fear, while bravery may refer more to the act itself without the associated feeling of fear.

Substitution

Instead of "courage," you could use:

• "bravery" – implies acting without fear or in the face of danger.
• "valor" – typically used to describe courage shown in military contexts or battles.
• "fortitude" – suggests strength of mind in facing adversity rather than just physical action.

Each of these substitutes might change the nuance of what you want to express, so choose based on context.

Deconstruction

The word "courage" comes from the Latin word "cor," which means "heart." In many cultures, having courage is seen as having heart or spirit. There is no prefix or suffix in "courage," making it a straightforward term that conveys its meaning directly.

Inquiry

1. Can you think of a time when you needed courage? What did you do?
2. How do you feel when you act with courage?
3. Are there situations where you admire someone else's courage? Why do you feel that way?