Gutsy: meaning, definitions and examples

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gutsy

[ˈɡʌtsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

brave

Characterized by courage, determination, and boldness in the face of difficulty or danger.

Synonyms

bold, brave, courageous, fearless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gutsy	Typically used to describe someone with a strong and audacious spirit, often in challenging or competitive situations. It can sometimes have a slightly informal tone. He made a gutsy move to quit his job and start his own business. Her gutsy performance impressed everyone at the auditions.
brave	Refers to someone showing courage, particularly in the face of danger or adversity. It is often used in serious or dramatic contexts and is universally positive. Firefighters are known for their brave actions during emergencies. She was very brave to stand up to the bully.
courageous	Similar to 'brave', but often used in more formal contexts. It emphasizes the mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Her courageous fight against the illness was an inspiration to everyone. He gave a courageous speech about facing his fears.
bold	Used when someone shows a willingness to take risks and act innovatively. It often carries a positive connotation of bravery but can imply recklessness if not careful. She made a bold decision to speak out against the company's unfair policies. His bold fashion choices always make him stand out in the crowd.
fearless	Denotes a lack of fear in any situation, often to a fault. It can be used to describe someone incredibly bold, but may imply a lack of caution. The fearless climber scaled the mountain without any safety equipment. His fearless attitude towards tackling new challenges earned him a lot of respect.

Examples of usage

She made a gutsy decision to quit her job and start her own business.
His gutsy performance in the final minutes of the game secured the victory for his team.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

bold

Showing a willingness to take bold risks.

Synonyms

bold, brave, courageous, daring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gutsy	Informal situations where someone is showing a lot of nerve or determination, especially in difficult or risky situations. That was a gutsy move, quitting your job without another one lined up. She made a gutsy decision to ask for a raise.
bold	When someone is not afraid to take risks or to speak out in situations where others might be hesitant; can be used in both positive and negative contexts. He made a bold statement during the meeting. That was a bold choice of clothing for the party.
brave	Used to describe someone facing danger, pain, or difficult situations with strength and determination. Often emphasizes moral or physical courage. The firefighters were very brave in rescuing the children. It was brave of her to speak out against injustice.
courageous	Formal situations where someone exhibits moral or physical courage over an extended period of time. Often used to describe admirable actions. She was a courageous leader who stood up for her beliefs. His courageous battle with the illness inspired many.
daring	Situations where someone behaves boldly, especially in taking risks that might involve danger or excitement. She took daring steps to start her own company. That was a daring rescue mission.

Examples of usage

The director made a gutsy choice by casting an unknown actor in the lead role.
The company's gutsy marketing campaign paid off with a significant increase in sales.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from 'guts,' which refers to courage, with the '-y' suffix added to create an adjective.
It gained popularity in the mid-20th century, often used to describe people who take risks or stand up for themselves.
Originally informal, it has now found a place in more formal contexts, showcasing its versatility.

Literature

The term is frequently used in modern novels and films to describe protagonists who face insurmountable odds, enhancing the hero's image.
It appears in classic literature to portray characters who defy societal norms, emphasizing themes of rebellion and resilience.
In poetry, gutsy characters are often depicted as vibrant, reflecting the spirit of adventure and the human struggle.

Pop Culture

Television shows often highlight gutsy characters who make bold decisions, inspiring audiences and mirroring real-life courage.
The phrase 'gutsy move' is commonly used in sports commentary, referring to athletes who take risks to achieve victory.
In music, many artists write songs that celebrate gutsy actions, empowering listeners to be bold themselves.

Psychology

Research suggests that being gutsy can lead to increased self-esteem, as it involves taking risks and overcoming fears.
Courage is linked to resilience; those who display gutsiness are often better at coping with failure and adversity.
Studying gutsy behavior helps psychologists understand motivation and the drive for personal growth among individuals.

History

Many historical figures, from civil rights leaders to revolutionaries, are celebrated for their gutsy actions that changed the course of history.
The term applies to military contexts, describing leaders who make audacious strategies during warfare, impacting the battles significantly.
Gutsy women in history, like Harriet Tubman, have challenged societal boundaries, showcasing the power of bravery in activism.

Translations

Translations of the word "gutsy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corajoso

🇮🇳 साहसी

🇩🇪 mutig

🇮🇩 berani

🇺🇦 відважний

🇵🇱 odważny

🇯🇵 勇敢な (ゆうかんな)

🇫🇷 courageux

🇪🇸 valiente

🇹🇷 cesur

🇰🇷 용감한 (yong-gamhan)

🇸🇦 شجاع

🇨🇿 odvážný

🇸🇰 odvážny

🇨🇳 勇敢的 (yǒnggǎn de)

🇸🇮 pogumen

🇮🇸 hugrakkur

🇰🇿 батыл

🇬🇪 გამბედავი

🇦🇿 cəsarətli

🇲🇽 valiente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,745 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34742 fondant
34743 tunny
34744 immateriality
34745 gutsy
34746 lumberjack
34747 defusing
34748 freckle
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