noun
gumption
The courage and initiative to take action.
She has the gumption to ask for a better deal.
Etymology
The older word concerns understanding or practical sense. It broadened to the resourcefulness and initiative needed to act, not merely to recognize what should be done.
More examples
- It takes gumption to speak up when everyone disagrees.
- I admire your gumption in starting a business alone.
- He finally found the gumption to challenge the unfair rule.
Similar words
- initiative
- Initiative emphasizes acting independently rather than overcoming fear.
- courage
- Courage emphasizes facing fear or danger, not starting action.