valor

noun

val·​or ˈva-lər How to pronounce valor (audio)
: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

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When Should You Use valor?

Valor in uniform is still rewarded by medals. Many American civic organizations award a Medal of Valor for physical courage, and the Air Force Medal of Honor displays the single word "Valor". The somewhat old-fashioned adjective valorous more often describes warriors of the past. But valiant is still in common use, though it less often describes military courage than other kinds of bravery or effort.

Examples of valor in a Sentence

The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor. the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor
Recent Examples on the Web An overwhelming victory is not guaranteed by either Ukrainian valor or Russian folly. Liana Fix, Foreign Affairs, 28 Nov. 2023 Yet the film’s attitude seems to be: Come for the pierogis and goulash, stay for the humanitarian valor. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2024 The interviews with Reeve’s children, Matthew, Alexandra, and William, are revealing and touching, and the warm valor shown by Dana (who died in 2006) proves a wonder to behold. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2024 Those in search of stunning plot twists, relationship mind games, and films chronicling true stories of valor in the face of desperation will find them on this list. Ilana Gordon, EW.com, 19 Jan. 2024 At a 1999 veterans’ reunion, Hill learned that Mr. Taylor had received the Silver Star and other honors for his more than 2,000 combat missions but had not been considered for the Medal of Honor, the military’s highest award for valor. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2024 Eventually, the family collected Yoni’s letters and published them as a book that became a talisman of national valor. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2024 These critiques were declarations of valor to Dr. Wolfe. Michael S. Rosenwald, Washington Post, 1 Jan. 2024 To perpetuate the memory of their valor and patriotism, this Monument is erected by the City, A.D., 1869–70. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 7 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'valor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of valor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near valor

Cite this Entry

“Valor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valor. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

valor

noun
val·​or ˈval-ər How to pronounce valor (audio)
: personal bravery in the face of danger

More from Merriam-Webster on valor

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