mettle

[ˈmɛtl]

mettle Definition

• 1. a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way
• 2. courage and fortitude

Using mettle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mettle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The team showed their mettle by coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win the game.

• Example

  She proved her mettle as a leader during the crisis.

• Example

  The marathon will test the mettle of even the most experienced runners.

mettle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mettle

• courage
• bravery
• valor
• resilience
• determination

Antonyms for mettle

• cowardice
• timidity
• fearfulness

Phrases with mettle

• prove one's mettle

  to demonstrate one's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way

  Example

  She proved her mettle as a detective by solving the case quickly.

• test one's mettle

  to challenge or evaluate one's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way

  Example

  The competition will test the mettle of the athletes.

• steel one's mettle

  to prepare oneself mentally and emotionally for a difficult task or challenge

  Example

  He steeled his mettle before giving the presentation to the board.

Origins of mettle

from Middle English 'metel', meaning 'metal, gold, courage'

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Summary: mettle in Brief

'Mettle' [ˈmɛtl] refers to a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way. It is often associated with courage and fortitude, exemplified by phrases like 'prove one's mettle' and 'test one's mettle.' 'Mettle' is a formal term that can be replaced by 'courage' or 'grit.'