Brave vs. Bold: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
Brave refers to showing courage or facing danger fearlessly, while Bold pertains to being daring or standing out prominently.
Key Differences
Brave and Bold are adjectives that often overlap in meaning, but they hold distinct nuances. Brave is primarily associated with displaying courage, especially when facing danger or adversity. A brave person might face challenges head-on, despite feelings of fear. On the other hand, Bold usually implies a daring spirit or the willingness to take risks. A bold individual doesn't just face challenges but does so audaciously, often defying conventions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Discussing Brave further, the word often evokes images of heroes, soldiers, or anyone pushing through despite overwhelming odds. Being brave doesn't necessarily mean the absence of fear, but rather the strength to continue despite it. Bold, in contrast, often has a more assertive and confident connotation. Bold actions or decisions stand out, sometimes even considered rash or audacious. Boldness might sometimes be criticized as recklessness, while bravery is usually lauded.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
In literature, a brave character could be one who confronts a terrifying creature despite their fears, showing a resilience of spirit. In the same vein, a bold character might challenge societal norms, breaking boundaries with their outspoken nature. Thus, while both words suggest courage, Bold often leans more towards audacity and breaking norms.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
To sum it up, while Brave and Bold both encompass courage, Brave emphasizes endurance in the face of fear, and Bold highlights audacity, standing out, and sometimes, defiance.
Harlon Moss
Sep 26, 2023
Comparison Chart
Main Meaning
Showing courage in facing danger
Daring or standing out prominently
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Use in Literature
Heroes facing challenges with resilience
Characters challenging norms
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Brave and Bold Definitions
Brave
Showing courage in facing danger.
The brave firefighter saved the child from the blaze.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
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Bold
Standing out prominently, often in terms of color or design.
He wore a bold tie to the meeting.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Brave
Enduring or facing unpleasant conditions without showing fear.
She was brave during the medical procedure.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Bold
Clear, distinct, or conspicuous in appearance.
The poster was printed in bold letters.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
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Brave
Making a fine display; impressive or showy
“a coat of brave red lipstick on a mouth so wrinkled that it didn't even have a clear outline” (Anne Tyler).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Requiring or exhibiting courage or daring
A bold voyage to unknown lands.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Excellent; great
“The Romans were like brothers / In the brave days of old” (Thomas Macaulay).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
(used with a pl. verb) People who exhibit bravery or courage considered as a group
“O'er the land of the free / And the home of the brave” (Francis Scott Key).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Strikingly different or unconventional; arresting or provocative
"[He] laid out a bold, new vision for America's leading universities" (Jerome Karabel).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
To endure or face courageously
“He remained in his tent on inclement mornings while others in the party braved the rain ... looking for birds” (Bert O. States). “Together they would brave Satan and all his legions” (Emily Brontë).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Steep or abrupt in grade or terrain
"The two walk along the high, bold, rocky shore" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Visually striking; conspicuous.
The painter's bold use of colour and outline
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Having thicker strokes than the ordinary form of the typeface.
The last word of this sentence is bold.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
(Ireland) Naughty; insolent; badly-behaved.
All of her children are terribly bold and never do as they are told.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
(transitive) To encounter with courage and fortitude, to defy, to provoke.
After braving tricks on the high-dive, he braved a jump off the first diving platform.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Bold; courageous; daring; intrepid; - opposed to cowardly; as, a brave man; a brave act.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Having any sort of superiority or excellence; - especially such as in conspicuous.
Iron is a brave commodity where wood aboundeth.
It being a brave day, I walked to Whitehall.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Making a fine show or display.
Wear my dagger with the braver grace.
For I have gold, and therefore will be brave.In silks I'll rattle it of every color.
Frog and lizard in holiday coatsAnd turtle brave in his golden spots.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Forward to meet danger; venturesome; daring; not timorous or shrinking from risk; brave; courageous.
Throngs of knights and barons bold.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
A brave person; one who is daring.
The star-spangled banner, O,long may it waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
In a bad sense, too forward; taking undue liberties; over assuming or confident; lacking proper modesty or restraint; rude; impudent.
Thou art too wild, too rude and bold of voice.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
A man daring beyond discretion; a bully.
Hot braves like thee may fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Somewhat overstepping usual bounds, or conventional rules, as in art, literature, etc.; taking liberties in composition or expression; as, the figures of an author are bold.
The cathedral church is a very bold work.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
A challenge; a defiance; bravado.
Demetrius, thou dost overween in all;And so in this, to bear me down with braves.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Standing prominently out to view; markedly conspicuous; striking the eye; in high relief.
Shadows in painting . . . make the figure bolder.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
To encounter with courage and fortitude; to set at defiance; to defy; to dare.
These I can brave, but those I can not bear.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Steep; abrupt; prominent.
Where the bold cape its warning forehead rears.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
To adorn; to make fine or showy.
Thou [a tailor whom Grunio was browbeating] hast braved meny men; brave not me; I'll neither be faced or braved.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Fearless and daring;
Bold settlers on some foreign shore
A bold speech
A bold adventure
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching;
Familiarity with danger makes a brave man braver but less daring
A frank courageous heart...triumphed over pain
Set a courageous example by leading them safely into and out of enemy-held territory
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Clear and distinct;
Bold handwriting
A figure carved in bold relief
A bold design
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Invulnerable to fear or intimidation;
Audacious explorers
Fearless reporters and photographers
Intrepid pioneers
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Very steep; having a prominent and almost vertical front;
A bluff headland
Where the bold chalk cliffs of England rise
A sheer descent of rock
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Brave
Brightly colored and showy;
Girls decked out in brave new dresses
Brave banners flying
`braw' is a Scottish word
A dress a bit too gay for her years
Birds with gay plumage
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 29, 2023
Bold
Confident to the point of being assertive or audacious.
Her bold voice commanded attention.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Brave
Standing up against adversity or challenges.
The community was brave in its fight against injustice.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Bold
Unconventionally challenging accepted norms.
The artist's bold statement sparked debate.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
Brave
Being ready to face and endure danger or pain.
He was brave enough to voice his unpopular opinion.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
FAQs
What does Brave mean?
Brave means showing courage, especially when facing danger or adversity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Does Bold always indicate confidence?
Often, but it can also mean standing out in terms of appearance or design.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
How is Bold defined?
Bold refers to being daring, confident, or standing out prominently.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Is Bold always positive?
Not necessarily; it can sometimes be seen as rash or too assertive.
Sara Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can someone be both Brave and Bold?
Yes, someone can display both courage in facing danger and daring audacity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Are there synonyms for Brave?
Yes, such as courageous, valiant, and fearless.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
Is Brave always about facing danger?
Not always; it can also mean enduring challenging situations courageously.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
How is Bold used in typography?
It refers to a typeface with thick, heavy lines.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 26, 2023
How do Brave and Bold differ in literature?
Brave characters face challenges with resilience, while Bold characters challenge norms.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
What might a Bold color look like?
It would be vivid, striking, and attention-grabbing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 26, 2023
Which word emphasizes audacity more?
Bold typically emphasizes audacity or defiance more than Brave.
Janet White
Sep 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
