Mettle

usgb/ˈmetl/
noun

A person's ability to cope well with difficulties; their spirit and resilience.

He showed his true mettle after facing severe criticisms head on.
Visual representation of "mettle" - A person's ability to cope well with difficulties; their spirit and resilience.

Often appears as...

  • test someone's mettle
  • show one's mettle
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "mettle"
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Challenge Context

Use 'mettle' when discussing someone's courage or strength in difficult situations.

Illustration for Challenge Context
She'll have the opportunity to test her mettle in the championship game.
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Positive Connotation

'Mettle' often implies a positive judgment of someone's capabilities.

Illustration for Positive Connotation
The firefighters proved their mettle during the rescue operation.
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Adversity Relevance

Mettle is most relevant when enduring hardships or pressure, not in ordinary moments.

Illustration for Adversity Relevance
Surviving the crisis showed the whole team's true mettle.
Visual representation of the word "Mettle"

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