Bold vs. Brave: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Bold often describes a person's daring or audacious behavior, while brave refers to showing courage in the face of fear or adversity.
Key Differences
Bold implies a willingness to take risks or confront challenges with confidence and assertiveness. Brave, in contrast, is the ability to face and endure danger or pain, often in a more serious or heroic context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Boldness can be seen in actions or decisions that are daring and unconventional. Bravery typically involves a more profound moral or emotional strength, such as facing fear or standing up for what is right.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In terms of personality traits, someone bold may be described as outspoken or fearless in expressing opinions. A brave person is often admired for their strength in facing difficult or dangerous situations, whether physical or emotional.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Bold actions or choices are often about breaking norms or thinking outside the box. Brave actions are more about perseverance and enduring challenging circumstances, often with a sense of duty or responsibility.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In literature and media, a bold character might challenge authority or make a grand gesture. A brave character is typically one who faces fears, risks, or sacrifices themselves for a greater cause.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Context
Risk-taking, unconventional decisions
Enduring danger, moral courage
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Representation
Challenges authority, grand gestures
Faces fears, sacrifices for others
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Bold and Brave Definitions
Bold
Bold can describe someone who is fearless in expressing opinions.
His bold speech inspired many.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Brave
Brave means showing courage in the face of danger or fear.
The firefighters were brave as they battled the blaze.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Bold
Bold means being daring and confident.
She made a bold decision to start her own business.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Brave
In historical contexts, brave often refers to warriors or heroes.
The brave knight defended the castle.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Bold
Bold actions are often unconventional and innovative.
They took a bold approach to solve the problem.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Brave
Brave actions involve moral or emotional strength.
It was brave of him to speak out against injustice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Brave
Brave can also mean readiness to face and endure danger.
The explorers were brave as they ventured into unknown territories.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Bold
Requiring or exhibiting courage or daring
A bold voyage to unknown lands.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Strikingly different or unconventional; arresting or provocative
"[He] laid out a bold, new vision for America's leading universities" (Jerome Karabel).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Brave
Excellent; great
“The Romans were like brothers / In the brave days of old” (Thomas Macaulay).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Steep or abrupt in grade or terrain
"The two walk along the high, bold, rocky shore" (Harriet Beecher Stowe).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Visually striking; conspicuous.
The painter's bold use of colour and outline
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Having thicker strokes than the ordinary form of the typeface.
The last word of this sentence is bold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
(Ireland) Naughty; insolent; badly-behaved.
All of her children are terribly bold and never do as they are told.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Brave
Bold; courageous; daring; intrepid; - opposed to cowardly; as, a brave man; a brave act.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Forward to meet danger; venturesome; daring; not timorous or shrinking from risk; brave; courageous.
Throngs of knights and barons bold.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Exhibiting or requiring spirit and contempt of danger; planned with courage; daring; vigorous.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Standing prominently out to view; markedly conspicuous; striking the eye; in high relief.
Shadows in painting . . . make the figure bolder.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Brave
A man daring beyond discretion; a bully.
Hot braves like thee may fight.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Steep; abrupt; prominent.
Where the bold cape its warning forehead rears.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Brave
A challenge; a defiance; bravado.
Demetrius, thou dost overween in all;And so in this, to bear me down with braves.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Fearless and daring;
Bold settlers on some foreign shore
A bold speech
A bold adventure
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Clear and distinct;
Bold handwriting
A figure carved in bold relief
A bold design
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
In design, bold refers to strong, noticeable features.
The artist used bold colors in her painting.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Brave
Invulnerable to fear or intimidation;
Audacious explorers
Fearless reporters and photographers
Intrepid pioneers
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Bold
Bold can also mean standing out prominently.
The headline was printed in bold letters.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Brave
Brave can describe enduring pain or hardship without showing fear.
She was brave during her illness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What characterizes a brave person?
A brave person is characterized by their ability to face and endure danger, pain, or difficult situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can boldness be seen in actions?
Yes, boldness is often reflected in daring and unconventional actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can bravery be learned?
Yes, bravery can be developed through experiences and conscious effort.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How is bravery exhibited?
Bravery is exhibited in facing and enduring challenging or dangerous situations, often with moral strength.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What is the meaning of brave?
Brave refers to showing courage in the face of fear or danger.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can bold and brave be used interchangeably?
They can overlap in meaning but are not always interchangeable, as bold emphasizes daringness, while brave emphasizes courage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is being bold a personality trait?
Yes, being bold is considered a personality trait, often associated with fearlessness and confidence.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What does bold mean?
Bold means showing an ability to take risks; confident and daring.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How is bravery shown in everyday life?
Bravery in everyday life can be shown by facing fears, standing up for oneself or others, and enduring tough situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Does bravery require physical strength?
Bravery is more about mental and emotional strength than physical strength.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How do bold decisions impact life?
Bold decisions can lead to significant changes and opportunities in life.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is being bold always positive?
Being bold is generally positive, but it can be negative if it leads to recklessness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can someone be quietly brave?
Yes, bravery doesn't always involve grand gestures; it can be quiet and steadfast.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Do bold people always take risks?
Bold people are inclined to take risks, but not necessarily in every situation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can bold actions be controversial?
Bold actions can sometimes be controversial, especially if they challenge norms or conventions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can someone be bold but not brave?
Yes, one can be bold in expression or actions without necessarily having the courage to face fear or danger.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Does being bold require confidence?
Yes, boldness typically involves a level of confidence and fearlessness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is bravery a common trait?
Bravery is a valued trait, but its presence varies among individuals and situations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Are children naturally brave?
Children can show natural bravery, but it often develops more with experience and understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is bravery always about physical danger?
No, bravery can also be about facing emotional or moral challenges.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
