valiant
UK/'væljənt/US/'væljәnt/
TOEFLGREC2
Definitions
adj.
Showing courage and determination, especially in difficulty
勇敢的，英勇的
Root Breakdown
Native Englishval (strong) + -iant (adj.) = 'strong in spirit, brave.' Borrowed via Old French vaillant. Today it most often describes a brave but losing effort — a valiant attempt, a valiant struggle.
Root val still carries 48 more wordsUsage Guide
valiant is often used of efforts that are brave but ultimately fail or fall short: a valiant attempt, a valiant effort, valiant but doomed. This 'admirable even in defeat' coloring is much stronger than in plain 'brave.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
They made a valiant effort to save the old theatre.
- 2.
Despite a valiant fight, the team lost in the final.