Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for fortitude

fortitude

[ fawr-ti-tood, -tyood ]

noun

  1. mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:

    Never once did her fortitude waver during that long illness.



fortitude

/ ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd /

noun

  1. strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˌfortiˈtudinous, adjective
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortitude1

First recorded 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin fortitūdō “strength, firmness, courage,” equivalent to forti(s) “strong” + -tūdō noun suffix ( -tude )
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortitude1

C15: from Latin fortitūdō courage
Discover More

Synonym Study

Discover More

Example Sentences

The resilience, determination and mental fortitude of this man is unmatched.

Their fortitude was tested with the first trading day of the New Year.

From Fortune

That’s why she emphasizes investors need to be selective on these “experience-based companies” because “they need the balance sheet fortitude really to get through another 12 months of no revenue.”

From Fortune

So much of the impetus behind the house meal is an easy vehicle for soothing flavors, for times when you’re overwhelmed, busy, exhausted, or just don’t have the mental fortitude to make a bigger grocery list or cook something more elaborate.

From Eater

I think the discipline and the mental fortitude really helped me with all those walking hours.

Some might lack the fortitude—or masochism—required to endure a grueling campaign (Rubio).

Both require of their practitioners discipline and a certain type of constitutional fortitude.

He rarely suggests that we develop the fortitude to unplug our brains from the news-generated matrix that subsumes us.

But the fact is that not a lot of these people have the fortitude and skill required to do that.

Bravery is the ability to overcome fear through fortitude, instinct, compassion for others and training.

But Aunt Ri did not know what forces of fortitude had been gathering in Ramona's soul during these last bitter years.

He faced his loss with stoical fortitude, as I believe he would have confronted any disaster that life could bring.

Recovering her fortitude, she sat down and wrote to M. Roland a minute account of all her proceedings.

With an animated countenance and a cheerful smile, she was all engrossed in endeavoring to infuse fortitude into his soul.

Woman's nature triumphs over philosophic fortitude, and she finds momentary relief in a flood of tears.

Advertisement

Discover More

More About Fortitude

What is fortitude?

Fortitude is mental or emotional strength in facing something difficult, as in Lillie stayed sane on the deserted island thanks to her intense mental fortitude.

Fortitude refers to mental or emotional strength rather than physical or bodily strength, as in During the pandemic, Kasha wrote poetry to maintain her mental fortitude. But you can use words like strength, power, and intensity as synonyms for fortitude if you are talking specifically about mental or emotional strength.

The adjective form of fortitude is fortitudinous, as in The fortitudinous soldiers never even considered retreating.

Example: You could never tell June was suffering from illness due to her amazing fortitude.

Where does fortitude come from?

The first records of fortitude come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Latin noun fortitūdō, meaning “strength, firmness, or courage.” Fortitude is the kind of courage a person has thanks to a strong will or mental stamina.

Fortitude is nearly always used to describe how a person acts or endures during a crisis or stressful situation. A person who lacks fortitude would panic, cry, or otherwise not endure a struggle. Fortitude is considered a desirable trait, like general bravery or courage, because it shows a person can endure adversity calmly.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to fortitude?

What are some synonyms for fortitude?

What are some words that share a root or word element with fortitude

What are some words that often get used in discussing fortitude?

How is fortitude used in real life?

Fortitude is a word people often use to describe others who show amazing courage or resilience.

 

 

Try using fortitude!

Is fortitude used correctly in the following sentence?

The gorilla lifted the massive tree trunk thanks to his incredible fortitude powered by his large muscles.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


fortitionfortitudinous