Definition of Hero
Quick Meaning of Hero
Someone who does something very brave or kind that helps other people, often at great risk.
Detailed Definition of Hero
A person admired for brave or noble deeds, especially in dangerous situations.
How to Pronounce Hero
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: HEER-oh. The 'o' at the end is pronounced like in 'go'.
Watch out: Some learners say HAIR-oh or HEH-ro; correct is HEER-oh (first syllable rhymes with 'beer').
Origin and Etymology of Hero
From Greek 'heros', a man of superhuman strength; used for brave warriors in ancient myths.
How to Use Hero in a Sentence
Each example shows “hero” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The firefighter became a hero after saving the family from the burning house.”
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“Superman is a famous fictional hero who fights for justice.”
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“My mother is my personal hero because she worked hard to raise us alone.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hero
Common Synonyms for Hero
Smart Synonyms for Hero — When to Use Each
- champion
- excels or wins in sports or competition
- legend
- famous and admired for achievements over time
Antonyms of Hero
Common Collocations with Hero
These phrases pair with “hero” in everyday English:
- local hero
- national hero
- war hero
- comic book hero
- my hero
Common Mistakes When Using Hero
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hero”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The heros saved the city.
- ✓ Correct: The heroes saved the city.
- Why: Hero becomes heroes in plural, not heros; the vowel 'o' changes to 'oes'.
- ✗ Wrong: She is a hero person.
- ✓ Correct: She is a heroic person.
- Why: Use the adjective heroic when describing someone; hero is the noun only.
Other Forms of Hero
- Noun: hero, heroine
- Adjective: heroic
- Adverb: heroically
Frequently Asked Questions About Hero
What is the meaning of "Hero"?
Someone who does something very brave or kind that helps other people, often at great risk.
How do you pronounce "Hero"?
The IPA is /ˈhɪroʊ/. Stress the first syllable: HEER-oh. The 'o' at the end is pronounced like in 'go'.
What part of speech is "Hero"?
"Hero" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hero"?
Common synonyms include brave person, champion, legend.
How do you use "Hero" in a sentence?
For example: "The firefighter became a hero after saving the family from the burning house."