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Grittiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grittiness

[ˈɡrɪtɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

texture

The quality of being gritty, containing small granular particles.

Synonyms

coarseness, graininess, roughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grittiness

Use when describing a texture that feels like it has small, hard particles. It often has connotations of being tough or resilient.

  • The grittiness of the sandpaper helped smooth out the wooden surface
  • The city has a certain grittiness that gives it character
roughness

Use when talking about surfaces that are not smooth or when describing harsh manners, actions, or conditions.

  • The roughness of the road made the drive uncomfortable
  • His roughness in handling the situation only made things worse
coarseness

Use when referring to a rough, uneven texture or when speaking about someone's language or behavior as being rude or vulgar.

  • The coarseness of the fabric irritated her skin
  • His coarseness in conversation made others uncomfortable
graininess

Use when describing textures or images that appear to be made of small particles or grains, often in photography or video.

  • The graininess of the old photograph added to its vintage appeal
  • The soup's graininess resulted from the crushed beans

Examples of usage

  • The grittiness of the sandpaper made it perfect for smoothing out the rough surface.
  • The grittiness of the sugar gave the cookies a unique texture.
Context #2 | Noun

personality

The characteristic of being tenacious, determined, and courageous.

Synonyms

courage, determination, perseverance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grittiness

Grittiness describes a combination of courage and determination, often used in contexts where someone shows sustained effort and persistence through tough conditions.

  • The grittiness of the athlete was evident as she finished the marathon despite her injury
  • || His grittiness helped him overcome all obstacles in his path
determination

Determination should be used when referring to someone's firmness of purpose and their resolve to achieve something despite the odds.

  • His determination to finish the race was inspiring
  • || She faced every challenge with unyielding determination
courage

Courage is best used when talking about the ability to face danger, fear, or difficulty. It often involves situations where there is a risk or threat.

  • She showed great courage by standing up to the bully
  • || It takes a lot of courage to jump out of a plane
perseverance

Perseverance is suitable when talking about continuous effort and persistence over a long period of time, usually to achieve a goal.

  • Her perseverance in studying late every night paid off when she got her degree
  • || The team's perseverance finally led them to victory

Examples of usage

  • Her grittiness and perseverance helped her overcome all the obstacles in her path.
  • The team's grittiness and resilience led them to victory.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In motivational speaking, 'grittiness' is often highlighted as a key trait for success, emphasizing persistence over talent.
  • Literature often uses characters with grittiness to showcase resilience in tough situations, making them relatable to readers.

Psychology

  • Research in psychology suggests that grittiness is linked to long-term success and achievement, more than natural talent or intelligence.
  • Angela Duckworth's studies show that grittiness can be cultivated through practice, making it a valuable trait for personal development.

Film and Media

  • Many popular films feature protagonists who exhibit grittiness, such as those overcoming severe personal challenges to achieve their goals.
  • Gritty realism in film and television can create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, often depicting the struggles of everyday life.

Sports

  • In sports, 'grittiness' often refers to athletes who show determination and tenacity, especially in high-stake competitions.
  • Famous athletes known for their grittiness often become role models, illustrating how hard work can lead to triumph, regardless of talent.

Origin of 'grittiness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'grit' has roots in Old English, meaning 'sand' or 'gravel', representing something rough or tough.
  • The suffix '-iness' adds a sense of condition or quality to the noun, turning 'grit' into 'grittiness' to describe the characteristic of having grit.

The word 'grittiness' originated from the Middle English word 'grettenesse', which meant 'the state or quality of being gritty'. The term 'gritty' itself comes from the Old English 'greot', which referred to sand or gravel. Over time, 'grittiness' evolved to encompass both physical texture and personal qualities such as determination and courage.

See also: grit, gritty.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,795, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.