valiant
VAL-yuntadjMeaning brave and determined, especially in a hard fight
Memory hook VAL the ANT: small but VALIANT. Val the ant plants her feet and faces the hungry crow to guard her hill. Tiny Val is valiant.
The valiant firefighters carried every last puppy out of the burning shelter.
In context Though the little team was outnumbered and exhausted, it made a valiant stand in the final minutes and held the champions to a tie.
Similar brave, courageous, heroic, bold
Opposite cowardly, craven, timid
From Old French vaillant, “stalwart, brave,” from valoir (to be worthy), from Latin valere, “to be strong.”