fortitude

American  

[fawr-ti-tood, -tyood] / ˈfɔr tɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. 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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fortitude British  

/ ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance

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Usage

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.

Related Words

See patience.

Other Word Forms

• fortitudinous adjective

Etymology

Origin of fortitude

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

Explanation

Fortitude refers to strength in the face of adversity or difficulty. Eating fried worms might require a lot of intestinal fortitude. When someone has fortitude it means that they have emotional power or reserves and the ability to withstand adversity. People who have fortitude are described in an admiring way for their courage and this word comes from the Latin word fortitudo, meaning "strength." Jacueline Bisset, someone who knows about beauty, said, "Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful."

Example Sentences

But it certainly makes him look cowardly that he can’t even muster the fortitude to say it in public, much less to his boss’s face.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

Loyalties and fortitude are repeatedly tested in this immersive drama.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

"As long as it is the right thing that serves the fundamental interests of the country and the people, then as leaders we should not shy away from difficulties and we should press ahead fortitude."

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2026

To be fair, 2025 produced plenty of IPO doozies that investors would be wise to avoid until they demonstrate real technical fortitude.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

Then I stand up, force fortitude to my legs, and begin negotiations.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• boldness
• bravery
• courage
• determination
• endurance
• fearlessness
• firmness
• grit
• mettle
• moxie
• nerve
• patience
• perseverance
• pluck
• spunk
• stamina
• staying power
• tenacity
• valor