Mettle: meaning, definitions and examples

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mettle

 

[ หˆmษ›tษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น coragem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเคฟเคฎเฅเคฎเคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mut

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ keberanian

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผัƒะถะฝั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dzielnoล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ‹‡ๆฐ—

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท courage

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ valentรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cesaret

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฉ๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดุฌุงุนุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ stateฤnost

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ odvaha

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ‹‡ๆฐ”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pogum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hugrekki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐั‚ั‹ะปะดั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒแƒกแƒ˜แƒแƒ—แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ cษ™sarษ™t

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.