What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mettle
Example
The team showed their mettle by coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win the game. [mettle: noun]
Example
She proved her mettle by overcoming her fear of public speaking and delivering an excellent presentation. [mettle: noun]
courage
Example
The firefighter showed great courage by entering the burning building to rescue the trapped family. [courage: noun]
Example
It takes courage to speak up against injustice and fight for what is right. [courage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Courage is more commonly used than mettle in everyday language. Courage is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while mettle is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mettle and courage?
While mettle is typically associated with a formal or literary tone, courage is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
