Fortitude: meaning, definitions and examples

Fortitude is generally used to describe mental and emotional strength in facing adversity, danger, or temptation with courage. It highlights endurance and inner strength.

• Despite all the challenges she faced, her fortitude never wavered.
• It takes immense fortitude to overcome such hardships.

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.

• She showed great courage by speaking out against injustice.
• It takes courage to tell the truth.

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.

• The firefighter's bravery saved many lives.
• It takes bravery to stand up for what is right.

Resilience is used to describe the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; it emphasizes adaptability and bouncing back from setbacks.

• Her resilience after the accident was inspiring.
• Children often have an incredible resilience to change.

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.

• His physical strength made him a natural athlete.
• She showed great emotional strength during the crisis.

Fortitude is frequently used to describe enduring difficult or painful situations for a long time with patience and resilience.

• She showed great fortitude during her long recovery from surgery

Courage can be used in a broad range of situations, including social and emotional challenges, not just physical danger.

• It took a lot of courage for him to stand up to the bullies

Bravery is typically used in the context of facing physical danger, often in battles or emergencies.

• The firefighter's bravery saved several lives during the rescue

Valor is often associated with great bravery in battle or war. It has an old-fashioned and formal connotation.

• The soldier was awarded a medal for his valor in combat

Resolve is used to describe a firm determination to do something, often in the face of difficulties or obstacles.

• Her resolve to complete the marathon was inspiring to everyone around her