Courageous - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing

Enhancing your IELTS vocabulary with precise and expressive adjectives can significantly elevate your Lexical Resource score. Today’s word, “courageous,” is ideal for describing actions, behaviour, or decisions that involve bravery, fearlessness, or moral strength. Using this adjective in IELTS Speaking and Writing demonstrates the ability to analyse situations, highlight heroism, and discuss risk-taking thoughtfully, skills essential for achieving Band 7 and above.

Meaning of Courageous

Adjective: Possessing or displaying courage; able to face danger, fear, or difficulty without flinching.

A courageous person acts bravely in challenging situations, standing firm despite risk or fear. This word is especially useful in IELTS when discussing personal achievements, social issues, historical events, or acts of heroism.

Origin and History of the Word

The word courageous comes from the Latin cor meaning “heart,” highlighting the idea of having heart or bravery. Historically, it has been used to describe heroic acts, bold decisions, and fearless individuals. Today, it conveys moral strength and boldness, making it ideal for IELTS Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2.

How to Use “Courageous” in IELTS Speaking & Writing?

“Courageous” is suitable for topics involving:

• Acts of bravery or heroism
• Social or political resistance
• Personal achievements despite challenges
• Workplace or academic courage
• Environmental or community activism

Using “courageous” allows you to describe bold actions and moral strength, demonstrating high-level vocabulary essential for top IELTS scores.

Examples of “Courageous” in Context

• “Where would our democracy be without courageous people willing to stand up for their beliefs?”
• “The coverage of courageous resistance by the people and police reinforced the government’s efforts.”
• “She made a courageous decision to speak out against injustice despite the risks.”
• “Courageous leadership often inspires others to take action and face challenges confidently.”
• “It was courageous of the students to challenge unfair rules and demand change.”

IELTS Tip

When describing bold actions, moral strength, or heroism in IELTS Speaking or Writing, “courageous” is a formal alternative to simpler words like brave or bold.

• Instead of saying: “He was brave to protest.”
• You can say: “He was courageous in protesting against unfair policies, despite potential consequences.”

Synonyms for “Courageous”

• Brave
• Adventurous
• Fearless
• Gallant
• Undaunted

Antonyms for “Courageous”

• Afraid
• Timid
• Craven
• Ignoble
• Dastard

Sample IELTS Speaking Answer Using “Courageous”

Use in: IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describing a person or action

Question: Describe a person you admire.

Answer:
“I admire my teacher for her courageous attitude. She always stands up for students’ rights and ensures everyone is treated fairly. Even when faced with criticism from colleagues, she continues to advocate for what she believes is right, which is truly inspiring.”

Sample IELTS Writing Sentence Using “Courageous”

Use in: IELTS Writing Task 2 – Discussing social or political issues

“Courageous actions by individuals and communities often lead to meaningful social change, even in the face of opposition.”

Practice Vocabulary from This Lesson

• Act bravely – to face danger or difficulty without fear
• Stand up for – to defend or support a person, belief, or right
• Heroism (n) – courageous behaviour or actions
• Bold (adj) – confident and willing to take risks
• Moral strength – the courage to do what is right

Incorporating the word “courageous” into your IELTS responses allows you to describe bravery, bold actions, and moral strength with clarity and sophistication. Whether discussing personal achievements, historical events, or social issues, this adjective adds precision and formal tone to your answers. Practising “courageous” in multiple contexts will improve your lexical range, fluency, and overall IELTS performance.

Also Check: 

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• IELTS Pronunciation Guide 2025
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