rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymettleStrength of character
noun

mettle

MET-ul/ˈmetl/

Courage and strength of character in facing difficulties.

The volunteer shows his mettle by persisting with the heavy branch in the rain.

Adult rescue volunteer persists in lifting a heavy fallen branch to clear a path for others in rain, determined face and steady effort, no injury.
Etymology
mettleOld Frenchmetal; material, stuff

Material or “stuff” became a metaphor for what a person is made of—the person's physical or moral constitution. That figurative meaning narrowed to spirit and courage, giving mettle its sense of determination under pressure.

In context

1221 Manhwa Recap158:42
If we meet a powerful dark creature, it'll be a fine chance to test my mettle now.
They Called Me the WEAKEST Lord — My System Multiplied EVERYTHING by 10,000.

More examples

  • He proved his mettle by staying calm under pressure.
  • The difficult assignment revealed the team’s mettle.
  • She admired his mettle more than his easy successes.

Forms

mettle

Similar words

courage
Courage faces danger; mettle includes character and resilience revealed under pressure.
grit
Grit emphasizes persistent determination; mettle often emerges in a particular test.