Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| fortis | [ˈfɔr.tɪs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfɔr.tis] (narrow) |
| animosus | |
| magnanimus | [maŋˈna.nɪ.mʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [maɲˈɲaː.ni.mus] (narrow) |
These terms are used to describe someone who is strong in the face of fear.
What does it mean word for word?
animosus is derived from animus (spirit, mind or courage) and literally means 'full of spirit'. magnanimus is a compound of magnus (great) and animus (soul/spirit), literally meaning 'great-souled'.
Which one should you use?
While all three words can mean brave, fortis is the most versatile, often implying physical strength or power alongside courage. animosus focuses more on spiritedness, whereas magnanimus focuses on greatness of soul and carries a connotation of nobility and generosity of spirit that the more general fortis lacks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form fortis is a third-declension adjective, which means it is the same for both masculine and feminine subjects in the nominative singular.
Did you know?
- The word fortis is related to the idea of something being 'high' or a 'hill', stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to rise'.
- The Latin term animosus can describe someone who is 'full of spirit', which can sometimes lean toward being impulsive or headstrong.
- While magnanimus describes a 'great soul', its opposite, pusillanimis, describes someone with a 'small soul'.
Examples in context
- Fortis es et animosa.You're strong and brave.This sentence shows how to use fortis to describe being both strong and brave.Tatoeba #13876507 by rul, translation #13472075 by rul
- Puella tantum erat, sed fortis.She was a child, but she was brave.This sentence uses fortis to emphasize bravery despite being a child.Tatoeba #1500408 by alexmarcelo, translation #1442213 by CK
- Pompeius tam fortis miles est ut amici eum "Magnum" vocent.Pompey is such a brave soldier that his friends call him "The Great".This sentence uses fortis to describe a soldier's courage.Tatoeba #11069144 by carlosalberto, translation #11069141 by carlosalberto
- vir fortisBrave man
- mulier fortisBrave woman
- Marcus est vir fortisMarcus is a brave man
- Regina est mulier fortisThe queen is a brave woman
- Heroicus miles ad bellum properatThe heroic soldier is rushing to battle
- Puer audax in mare se projecitThe bold boy threw himself into the sea
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Gaius are discussing a dangerous journey.
- LuciaTimeo, sed tu es fortis.I am afraid, but you are brave.
- GaiusNon sum fortis, sed ire debemus.I am not brave, but we must go.
- LuciaQuid agemus si hostes videbimus?What will we do if we see enemies?
- GaiusSimul pugnabimus et vincemus.We will fight together and win.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “brave” translations and entries fortis, animosus, magnanimus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries animosus, fortis, magnanimus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
