bravely

bravely — adverb

1. with courage even when you feel afraid, hurt, or under strong pressure.

1.adverbB1
Definition

with courage even when you feel afraid, hurt, or under strong pressure.

Example

After the crash, Hana bravely climbed back onto the horse.

bravely + risky physical action

Ravi bravely told the doctor where the pain was worst.

bravely + tell in a painful situation

Common collocations
  • smile bravely
  • fight bravely
  • face something bravely
  • bravely tell somebody
  • bravely carry on
Synonyms
  • courageously

    a more formal word for acting with courage

  • boldly

    often stresses confident public action more than danger or suffering

  • fearlessly

    stronger, suggesting almost no fear at all

  • stoically

    focuses on bearing pain or sadness without complaint

Antonyms
  • fearfully

    showing clear fear rather than courage

  • timidly

    in a shy or hesitant way

  • nervously

    shows worry and unease, not steady courage

Grammar Patterns

verb + bravely

bravely + verb

smile bravely

face something bravely

Usage Note

Often used when someone is scared, in pain, or upset but still continues. Distinguish from boldly: bravely stresses inner courage in a hard moment, while boldly often stresses confident public action or risk-taking.

Common Mistakes

Hana was bravely after the fall.
Hana was brave after the fall.
use the adjective after 'be'; 'bravely' describes an action.
Theo bravely asked for a coffee refill at the cafe.
Theo boldly asked for a coffee refill at the cafe.
'bravely' usually suggests real fear, pain, or difficulty, not simple directness.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Bravely is close to boldly, courageously, fearlessly, and confidently, but it usually points most clearly to fear, pain, loss, or another hard situation. Boldly often fits strong public action, such as challenging a plan or asking for change. Courageously is more formal and is common in serious writing or speeches. Fearlessly is stronger than bravely and suggests little or no fear at all. Confidently can sound calm and sure, even when there is no real danger. Use bravely when someone keeps going despite being scared or hurt. Compare: 'Hana bravely got back on the horse' and 'Ravi boldly questioned the manager in the meeting.'

bravely ↗boldly ↗courageouslyfearlessly ↗confidently ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • smile bravely
  • fight bravely
  • face something bravely
  • bravely admit
  • bravely carry on

Etymology

ItalianFrenchEnglish

Bravely is formed from brave and the adverb ending -ly. Brave came into English through French and goes back to an Italian word linked to bold or fierce qualities. Over time, English used brave for a person willing to face danger, and bravely became the usual adverb for doing something with that kind of courage.