Gallantry
What it means
Courageous conduct marked by honor and concern for others.
Reach for it when naming bravery that deserves respect for both motive and manner
The citation recognized his gallantry during the mountain rescue.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
-
playful
Fits when bold willingness to take a risk gives the line energy
Careful Daring may be thrill-seeking and does not guarantee consideration for anyone else.
-
everyday
Fits when plain praise for facing fear is sufficient
Careful Bravery can be reckless or self-directed, whereas gallantry also implies honorable conduct.
-
warm
Fits when inner strength rather than public ceremony deserves emphasis
Careful Courage is broader and lacks gallantry's link to honorable outward action.
-
formal
Fits when courtesy and protection in a traditional code are central
Careful Chivalry may reinforce dated gender roles and need not involve actual danger.
-
formal
Fits when recognized courage in battle or grave danger is meant
Careful Valor is strongly military and sounds misplaced for everyday considerate action.
-
literary
Fits when exceptional self-sacrifice changed another person's fate
Careful Heroism claims more than a courageous attempt whose impact was limited.
-
literary
Fits when moral elevation is the quality being admired
Careful Nobility can describe character or rank without a brave deed.
Opposites 3
- cowardice
- dishonor
- self-preservation
Common phrases 3
-
act of gallantry
An act of gallantry saved the stranded climber without endangering the rest of the group.
-
award for gallantry
The award for gallantry honored calm judgment as well as courage.
-
remarkable gallantry
Her remarkable gallantry gave the frightened passengers time to leave.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated