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fortitude

[ fawr-ti-tood, -tyood ]
/ ˈfɔr tɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /
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noun
mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously: Never once did her fortitude waver during that long illness.
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Origin of fortitude

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

synonym study for fortitude

See patience.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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.

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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.

How to use fortitude in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fortitude

fortitude
/ (ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd) /

noun
strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance

Derived forms of fortitude

fortitudinous, adjective

Word Origin for fortitude

C15: from Latin fortitūdō courage
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
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