Plucky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plucky

[ˈplʌki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

brave

having or showing determined courage in the face of difficulties

Synonyms

brave, courageous, daring, gutsy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plucky

This word describes someone who shows determined courage in the face of difficulties.

  • Despite the challenges, the plucky child never gave up on her dream.
brave

This is used to describe someone willing to face and endure danger or pain.

  • The brave soldier saved his comrades under heavy fire.
courageous

This term often describes a person who does something difficult or dangerous despite fear.

  • Her courageous act of speaking up against injustice inspired many.
gutsy

This informal term describes someone showing courage or determination, often in a bold or audacious way.

  • The gutsy entrepreneur took a big risk by launching a startup in a competitive market.
daring

Refers to someone who is adventurous and willing to take risks.

  • The daring stuntman performed a dangerous jump over the canyon.

Examples of usage

  • She was plucky enough to take on the challenge
  • His plucky attitude inspired others to keep going
Context #2 | Adjective

spirited

having or showing lively energy and enthusiasm

Synonyms

energetic, enthusiastic, lively, spirited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plucky

Use when describing someone who shows courage and determination in the face of difficulties or adversity.

  • Despite the daunting challenge, the plucky young girl did not back down.
  • His plucky attitude helped him overcome many obstacles.
spirited

Use when describing someone who shows courage, liveliness, and a lot of heart, often in a way that is bold.

  • The spirited debate kept everyone engaged.
  • Her spirited defense of her friend was admirable.
lively

Use when describing someone or something that is full of life, activity, and excitement.

  • The party was lively with music and dancing.
  • She has a lively personality that makes everyone feel welcome.
energetic

Use when describing someone who is very active, full of energy, and always on the move.

  • The energetic puppy kept running around the yard.
  • She is an energetic worker who always gets things done quickly.
enthusiastic

Use when describing someone who shows intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval about something.

  • He is enthusiastic about learning new languages.
  • The crowd was enthusiastic during the concert.

Examples of usage

  • The plucky young girl danced with joy
  • His plucky personality made him popular with everyone

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Plucky characters often appear in movies and books, like the brave little mouse in 'The Tale of Despereaux'.
  • In sports, 'plucky underdog' teams are those that are not favored to win but show great heart and determination.

Psychology

  • Studies show that being plucky or having perseverance can lead to higher success rates in challenging tasks.
  • Bravery can boost self-esteem, making individuals more likely to take on new experiences.

Literature

  • In classic literature, plucky heroines often defy traditional roles, like Jo March in 'Little Women', who pursues her passions regardless of societal expectations.
  • Many adventure novels feature plucky protagonists who face fears and challenges, such as the young wizards in 'Harry Potter'.

History

  • Throughout history, plucky individuals have inspired others, such as Rosa Parks who bravely stood against segregation.
  • The word has been used to describe leaders in wartime, where courage was essential for rallying others.

Origin of 'plucky'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'plucky' comes from the word 'pluck', which means courage or bravery.
  • It first appeared in English around the late 19th century, often used in a context of showing spirit in adversity.

The word 'plucky' originated in the 19th century, derived from the word 'pluck' meaning courage or determination. It has been used to describe individuals who exhibit bravery, courage, and spirit in the face of challenges or adversity.


See also: pluck, plucker, pluckers.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,283, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.