Hero
/ˈhɪə.roʊ/noun
A person admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, heroes were often demigods, possessing both human weaknesses and divine powers, blurring the line between mortals and gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʰer-
“to grasp, enclose, or take”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἥρως (hērōs)
“a protector, a defender, often with divine ancestry or extraordinary abilities”
Latin
Latin
heros
“a person of superhuman qualities, often in myths and legends”
Old French
Old French
heros
“a man distinguished by valor or courage”
Middle English
Middle English
hero
“a person of distinguished courage or skill, especially in war”
Modern English
English
hero
“a person admired for their noble qualities or achievements”