Valor

Valor is a quality of a person characterized by courage and determination in the face of danger. It generally refers to the willingness to risk oneself for others or for a moral principle, often under circumstances that threaten safety or life. In everyday language, valor connotes composure, steadiness, and resolve under pressure, as well as the resolve to act rightly despite fear.

The term derives from Latin valere, meaning to be strong or healthy, and entered English via Old French valor or valour. In modern English, valor is the noun for bravery; the spelling valour is common in British English, with the same meaning.

Cultural and ethical discussions distinguish valor from mere bravado. True valor implies restraint, prudent judgment, and a commitment to a moral duty rather than reckless risk-taking. In virtue ethics, valor is often grouped with courage and fortitude as a cardinal virtue. In secular and religious narratives, valor is celebrated in acts of heroism by soldiers, emergency responders, and civilians who risk themselves for others.

In usage, valor appears in military honors, historical accounts, and popular media as a marker of exemplary courage. It also appears in idioms and sayings that praise steadfastness under pressure. Cross-cultural perspectives on courage may describe related concepts such as bravery, gallantry, or heroism, with nuances in what is admired or rewarded within a given tradition.