Fortitude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fortitude
[ˈfɔːrtɪtjuːd ]
Definitions
in difficult times
Courage in pain or adversity; strength of mind to endure hardship or difficulty with courage.
Synonyms
bravery, courage, resilience, strength.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fortitude |
Fortitude is generally used to describe mental and emotional strength in facing adversity, danger, or temptation with courage. It highlights endurance and inner strength.
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| courage |
Courage is commonly used to indicate the ability to do something that frightens one. It often implies a moral stance or taking action despite fear.
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| bravery |
Bravery is often used to describe the quality of being ready to face and endure danger or pain. It focuses more on the willingness to confront fear.
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| resilience |
Resilience is used to describe the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; it emphasizes adaptability and bouncing back from setbacks.
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| strength |
Strength can refer to both physical power and the ability to withstand pain or hardship. It is a more general term and can apply to various forms of power, including mental and emotional.
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Examples of usage
- She showed great fortitude in the face of adversity.
- His fortitude during his illness was truly inspiring.
military context
Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.
Synonyms
bravery, courage, resolve, valor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fortitude |
Fortitude is frequently used to describe enduring difficult or painful situations for a long time with patience and resilience.
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| courage |
Courage can be used in a broad range of situations, including social and emotional challenges, not just physical danger.
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| bravery |
Bravery is typically used in the context of facing physical danger, often in battles or emergencies.
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| valor |
Valor is often associated with great bravery in battle or war. It has an old-fashioned and formal connotation.
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| resolve |
Resolve is used to describe a firm determination to do something, often in the face of difficulties or obstacles.
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Examples of usage
- The soldiers demonstrated immense fortitude in battle.
- Her fortitude under fire earned her a medal for bravery.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that people with high levels of fortitude often cope better with stress and adversity.
- Resilience is closely linked to fortitude; both require mental strength.
- Practicing mindfulness can enhance a person's fortitude by helping them manage their emotions.
Literature
- Characters in classic literature often display fortitude, facing great odds in stories like 'The Odyssey'.
- In 'The Count of Monte Cristo', the protagonist's journey showcases extraordinary fortitude against betrayal.
- Poets have frequently celebrated fortitude, like in the works of Shakespeare, emphasizing strength in times of trouble.
Historical Examples
- Leaders like Nelson Mandela are admired for their fortitude in fighting against oppression and injustice.
- During the American Civil War, many soldiers exhibited great fortitude in the face of extreme danger.
- Historical figures like Anne Frank showed fortitude through their diaries while facing persecution during WWII.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often show fortitude when they make tough decisions, like in 'The Pursuit of Happyness'.
- Superheroes in comics display fortitude, overcoming personal struggles while saving the world.
- Reality TV shows often highlight contestants demonstrating fortitude as they face challenges and hardships.
Origin of 'fortitude'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'fortitudo', which means strength or bravery.
- It shares roots with the word 'fort', emphasizing the idea of strength and protection.
- Other languages, like French and Spanish, also have similar words that refer to strength and courage.
The word 'fortitude' originated from the Latin word 'fortitudo', meaning strength or bravery. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the quality of courage and resilience in facing adversity. Throughout history, fortitude has been praised as a virtue essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
See also: fort, fortify, fortnight, fortress, fortune, forty.