Guts: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to talk about someone's courage or inner strength. Informal and can sometimes be considered rude when describing physical organs.

• She has the guts to stand up to him.
• It takes a lot of guts to start your own business.

Medical term used to refer to the long tube in the body that helps digest food. Primarily used in healthcare or scientific contexts.

• The surgeon carefully examined the patient's intestines.
• He was diagnosed with an infection in his intestines.

Formal term often used when talking about the deeper parts of something, like the earth or the body. Primarily used in scientific or poetic contexts.

• The rescue team descended into the bowels of the mine.
• He was experiencing severe pain in his bowels.

Formal and somewhat archaic term used to refer specifically to the internal organs. Often used in literary or clinical contexts.

• The detective felt a visceral reaction upon discovering the crime scene.
• In the old texts, they referred to the rituals involving the viscera of animals.

Informal situations where someone shows boldness or daring, often against significant odds. It can sometimes have a rough or confrontational connotation.

• It takes guts to stand up to the boss.
• She had the guts to go skydiving.

General term used to describe the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Suitable for both everyday and formal contexts.

• It takes a lot of courage to speak in public.
• Her courage during the crisis was inspiring.

Situations where someone shows mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. Often used in contexts of heroism or noble action.

• His bravery on the battlefield was commendable.
• The firefighter showed great bravery during the rescue.

Situations where someone shows firmness of purpose and resoluteness to achieve a goal or overcome obstacles. It often implies persistence and hard work over time.

• His determination to succeed is impressive.
• She showed determination in finishing the marathon despite her injury.

Often used informally to describe bravery or audacity, especially when facing difficult situations. This term can sometimes carry a sense of recklessness.

• It takes guts to start your own business
• He showed a lot of guts by standing up to the bully

Typically used when someone is in the process of building up enough bravery to do something daunting or challenging. It is more about the gradual accumulation of bravery.

• She had to gather her courage before speaking in front of the large audience
• He gathered the courage to ask for a promotion

This phrase is appropriate when someone is internally calling upon their inner strength and resolve to push through a challenging task. It implies a deliberate and conscious effort.

• He had to summon all his determination to finish the marathon
• She summoned her determination to complete the complex project on time

Used when someone is preparing mentally and emotionally to face something unpleasant or difficult. This phrase conveys a sense of fortification and mental preparation.

• She steeled herself to give the bad news
• He had to steel himself for the challenging conversation ahead