Courage vs. Valor — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Courage refers to the mental strength to face fear, adversity, or difficulty, while Valor is courage displayed in warfare or combat situations.
Difference Between Courage and Valor
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Courage is a broader term that signifies the mental or emotional strength to face challenges, fears, or difficulties. Valor, on the other hand, is a specialized form of courage often associated with battlefield heroism or combat situations.
Courage can manifest in a variety of contexts such as standing up against injustice, taking risks in business, or even undergoing medical treatments. Valor specifically refers to courage in the face of physical danger, especially in military settings or combat zones.
In everyday language, courage is often applied to describe a wide range of scenarios that may not necessarily involve physical risk. Valor is more commonly used in military contexts, recognizing acts of bravery under conditions of extreme physical threat.
Courage can be seen as a foundational trait that one can cultivate over time. Valor is often spontaneous, emerging in the heat of a moment, particularly in life-threatening situations. Both terms are virtues, but Valor is more narrowly defined than Courage.
Comparison Chart
Context
General
Military/Combat
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Type of Risk
Physical or emotional
Primarily physical
Use in Everyday Language
Common
Less common, specialized
Spontaneity
Can be cultivated
Often emerges spontaneously
Range of Application
Wide, various contexts
Narrow, specific to physical danger
Compare with Definitions
Courage
Courage is confronting fear head-on.
She had the courage to speak out against injustice.
Valor
Valor involves acts of heroism under physical danger.
The firefighter's valor was recognized.
Courage
Courage is the emotional power to tackle adversity.
His courage helped him through a difficult illness.
Valor
Valor is courage in the face of mortal danger.
His valor saved lives during the emergency.
Courage
Courage involves making risky decisions when necessary.
It took courage to start her own business.
Valor
Valor is showing courage in combat.
He received a medal for valor.
Courage
Courage (also called bravery or valour) is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Valour is courage or bravery, especially in battle.
Valor
Valor is bravery during armed conflict.
Their valor held the line against overwhelming odds.
Courage
The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery
She called on all her courage to face the ordeal
Valor
Valor is courage specifically in military settings.
Her valor was unmatched in the field.
Courage
The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery.
Valor
Courage and boldness, as in battle; bravery.
Courage
The quality of being confident, not afraid or easily intimidated, but without being incautious or inconsiderate.
It takes a lot of courage to be successful in business.
Valor
Value; worth.
Courage
The ability to overcome one's fear, do or live things which one finds frightening.
He plucked up the courage to tell her how he felt.
Valor
Strength of mind in regard to danger; that quality which enables a person to encounter danger with firmness
Courage
The ability to maintain one's will or intent despite either the experience of fear, frailty, or frustration; or the occurrence of adversity, difficulty, defeat or reversal. Moral fortitude.
Valor
Value; worth.
Courage
(obsolete) To encourage.
Valor
Strength of mind in regard to danger; that quality which enables a man to encounter danger with firmness; personal bravery; courage; prowess; intrepidity.
For contemplation he and valor formed.
When valor preys on reason,It eats the sword it fights with.
Fear to do base, unworthy things is valor.
Courage
The heart; spirit; temper; disposition.
So priketh hem nature in here corages.
My lord, cheer up your spirits; our foes are nigh,and this soft courage makes your followers faint.
Valor
A brave man; a man of valor.
Courage
Heart; inclination; desire; will.
I'd such a courage to do him good.
Valor
The qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle);
He showed great heroism in battle
He received a medal for valor
Courage
That quality of mind which enables one to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear, or fainting of heart; valor; boldness; resolution.
The king-becoming graces . . . Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude,I have no relish of them.
Courage that grows from constitution often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it.
Courage
To inspire with courage; to encourage.
Paul writeth unto Timothy . . . to courage him.
Courage
A quality of spirit that enables you to face danger of pain without showing fear
Courage
Courage is standing up for what you believe is right.
He showed courage when he reported the corruption.
Courage
Courage is continuing on a path despite challenges.
Her courage was evident when she finished the marathon despite an injury.
Common Curiosities
Is Valor innate?
Often, it emerges spontaneously in critical situations.
Is Valor always physical?
Generally, yes, especially in life-threatening situations.
Can Courage apply to everyday life?
Yes, it is widely applicable.
Is Valor always heroic?
Often, especially in military contexts.
What is Courage?
Mental strength to face challenges, fear, or adversity.
What is Valor?
Courage specifically displayed in combat or warfare.
Can Courage be learned?
Yes, it can be cultivated over time.
Is Courage always physical?
No, it can be emotional or moral.
How is Valor often rewarded?
Typically through military decorations.
Is Courage always virtuous?
Generally, but context matters.
Is Valor common in everyday language?
No, it is more specialized and military-focused.
Can you have Courage without Valor?
Yes, courage can exist in non-combat situations.
How is Courage often rewarded?
Through recognition, social esteem.
Can you have Valor without Courage?
Unlikely, as valor is a form of courage.
Can Courage and Valor coexist?
Yes, valor is a form of courage.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
