What does valor mean?
Valor means bravery, especially the courage to act despite serious danger, hardship, or the possibility of defeat. Although the word can describe physical courage in battle, it is also used more broadly for moral fortitude and for doing what is right when doing so is difficult. In American English it is usually formal or literary, appearing in accounts of heroism, military service, sports, and public life. The phrase “acts of valor” highlights deeds that demonstrate courage, while references to “courage and valor” often present valor as one element among related qualities. Valor carries a strongly approving tone: it praises sustained courage rather than merely a momentary lack of fear. For writers seeking this elevated register, valor can add dignity and force to a sentence, although overstatement may make such language sound ceremonial. The word is also notable for its transatlantic variation: American English uses valor, while British English ordinarily uses valour, without any difference in meaning.
nounBravery in the face of danger, hardship, or extreme difficulty, especially when demonstrated through action. It can also denote moral courage and fortitude.
- Bravery or courage in the face of danger, hardship, or extreme difficulty, especially in battle or when requiring sustained action.
"The soldiers were remembered for their courage and valor in defending the town."
"The firefighter's courage and valor were remembered by everyone who had witnessed the rescue."
"She showed real valor by admitting that she had made a serious mistake."
The plural valors is standard but uncommon in ordinary use.
"Their acts of courage were celebrated as individual valors."
Valor and its British counterpart valour share a Latin root meaning “to be strong,” linking modern ideas of courage to an older ideal of strength.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of valor
Valor entered Middle English from Anglo-French valour, which was borrowed from Latin valor, a noun derived from valere, “to be strong” or “to be worth.” Its close relatives include valiant, valid, and value, while American English ultimately established the spelling valor alongside the traditional British valour.
Related word forms
How valor is actually used
Valor is formal and often literary or commemorative. It usually praises courage expressed through action and may suggest an elevated or heroic standard rather than an ordinary act of bravery.
Easily confused with valor
Valour is the traditional British spelling of the American variant valor; the two words have the same meaning and are distinguished only by spelling and regional convention.