valiant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'valiant' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective meaning brave or fearless, and can be used to describe someone who shows great courage. Example sentence: "The valiant firefighter courageously risked his own safety to save the trapped family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With or without him, a summer of upheaval beckons, but this was a farewell best forgotten for some valiant servants.

The Guardian - Sport

Rubio's valiant effort to craft a message on immigration that could appeal to the deeply skeptical conservative fringe shook up what had been a masterful Jenga-like tower of mixed positions: a little Tea Party here, a little GOP careerism there.

The Guardian - Opinion

A valiant attempt to make a fair and emotionally truthful biopic of Linda Lovelace – though the woman herself remains unknowable.

The Guardian - Film

Hardy made a valiant attempt to try and salvage the situation, but Hawley was long gone.

The Guardian

Austin, 20, eventually faded with one lap on the bike remaining, reined in by the chasing pack and finishing 22nd despite his valiant effort.

The Guardian - Sport

When Conservative ministers offered tepid support, Mr Hester buckled and gave up the bonus.In a BBC interview on February 8th, Mr Hester mounted a valiant defence of high pay in his bank and elsewhere.

The Economist

Someone else made a valiant effort to play a few bars of "Heart and Soul".

The Economist

Some readers may find the mathematical chapters heavy going, but Mr Derbyshire makes a valiant attempt at explaining the mathematical ideas around the problem.

The Economist

Gone are the days when Greece was hailed as one of Britain's valiant and staunch allies.

The Economist

So Mr Rogers's attempt to analyse his life story is a valiant bid to do what is clearly needed.Sadly, however, his search for the truth is doomed.

The Economist

What can be done?It is widely accepted, in Africa and elsewhere, that the peacekeeping force in Darfur under the aegis of the African Union (AU) was hopelessly ill-equipped to succeed in its valiant bid to hold the ring.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions, use "valiant" to highlight the courageous and determined nature of an effort, even if it ultimately fails.

Common error

Avoid using "valiant" to describe ordinary or trivial actions. The term should be reserved for genuinely courageous or heroic endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The word "valiant" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe them as possessing courage or determination. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys bravery or fearlessness. For instance, "a valiant attempt" or "valiant soldiers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "valiant" is an adjective used to describe acts or individuals characterized by courage, bravery, and determination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English, and is very common in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science. High-authority sources such as The Economist and The Guardian frequently employ it. To avoid misinterpretations, reserve its usage for situations genuinely deserving of such praise. Alternatives include "courageous", "brave", and "heroic", each carrying slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

courageous

Emphasizes inner strength and bravery in facing danger.

brave

A general term for facing danger without fear.

heroic

Implies actions that are larger than life and worthy of admiration.

fearless

Suggests a complete lack of fear in the face of adversity.

intrepid

Highlights a resolute and daring approach to challenges.

gallant

Focuses on nobility and courteous bravery.

daring

Suggests a willingness to take risks.

bold

Emphasizes confidence and a willingness to defy convention.

plucky

Implies a spirited and determined bravery, often against the odds.

audacious

Suggests a willingness to take bold risks, sometimes bordering on recklessness.

FAQs

How can I use "valiant" in a sentence?

Use "valiant" to describe someone or something displaying courage or determination. For example, "The "valiant knight" fought bravely" or "It was a "valiant effort", though ultimately unsuccessful".

What words are similar to "valiant"?

Alternatives include "courageous", "brave", "heroic", and "intrepid". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a failed attempt as "valiant"?

Yes, "valiant" can describe an attempt characterized by courage and determination, even if it doesn't succeed. It emphasizes the spirit of the effort rather than the outcome.

How does "valiant" differ from "successful"?

"Valiant" describes the manner of an action (courageously, determinedly), while "successful" describes its outcome. A "valiant effort" might not be "successful", and a "successful endeavor" might not have required great courage.