Mettle: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ช
mettle
[ หmษtษl ]
personal quality
Mettle refers to a person's ability to cope with difficulties or to show resilience and determination. It emphasizes one's character and spirit in the face of challenges.
Synonyms
courage, determination, fortitude, grit, spirit.
Examples of usage
- She showed her mettle during the competition.
- His mettle was tested after the unexpected loss.
- The soldiers displayed great mettle in battle.
Translations
Translations of the word "mettle" in other languages:
๐ต๐น coragem
๐ฎ๐ณ เคนเคฟเคฎเฅเคฎเคค
๐ฉ๐ช Mut
๐ฎ๐ฉ keberanian
๐บ๐ฆ ะผัะถะฝัััั
๐ต๐ฑ dzielnoลฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ๅๆฐ
๐ซ๐ท courage
๐ช๐ธ valentรญa
๐น๐ท cesaret
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฉ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุฌุงุนุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ stateฤnost
๐ธ๐ฐ odvaha
๐จ๐ณ ๅๆฐ
๐ธ๐ฎ pogum
๐ฎ๐ธ hugrekki
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑะฐััะปะดัา
๐ฌ๐ช แฎแแกแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ cษsarษt
๐ฒ๐ฝ valentรญa
Etymology
The word 'mettle' originates from the Late Middle English word 'metel', which was a variant of 'metal'. This initial connection to metal denoted strength and durability. Over time, the meaning evolved to embody qualities of resilience and spirit in individuals. The transition in meaning reflects the metaphorical use of 'metal' to describe the toughness of a person's character, similar to how physical metal is strong and unyielding. The term has been used in literature to evoke themes of bravery and inner strength since at least the 14th century, indicating a long-standing recognition of the importance of personal fortitude. Today, 'mettle' is primarily used to highlight how someone responds under pressure or adversity.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,384, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 24381 procrastination
- 24382 mistletoe
- 24383 pacifism
- 24384 mettle
- 24385 indecisive
- 24386 improvident
- 24387 theism
- ...