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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


mettle

noun

Definition: strength of character--courage or spirit

Synonyms: spirit, courage, determination, endurance, bravery, resolve, ardor, pluck, moxie

Antonyms: cowardice

Tips: A variant of metal, mettle generally refers to what someone is made of--a person's character. The adjective mettlesome describes someone courageous and spirited. Do not confuse mettle with its homonym meddle (to interfere) or mettlesome with meddlesome (nosy, interfering.)

Usage Examples:

This next race will be a true test of the competitors' mettle. (spirit, determination, endurance)

Their strong performance really demonstrates their mettle. (spirit, courage)

A gentle and experienced trainer can turn a mettlesome horse into a lively star; a harsh or poor trainer can turn such a horse unruly. (high-spirited) adjective

She proved she had the mettle to be on the team, with her sheer determination to win the competition. (determination, pluck)


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