grit

American  

[grit] / grɪt /

noun

1. abrasive particles or granules, as of sand or other small, coarse impurities found in the air, food, water, etc.

2. firmness of character; indomitable spirit; pluck.

   She has a reputation for grit and common sense.

   Synonyms:

   courage, fortitude, resolution

3. a coarse-grained siliceous rock, usually with sharp, angular grains.

4. British. gravel.

5. sand or other fine grainy particles eaten by fowl to aid in digestion.

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verb (used with object)

gritted, gritting

1. to cause to grind or grate together.

verb (used without object)

gritted, gritting

1. to make a scratchy or slightly grating sound, as of sand being walked on; grate.

idioms

1. grit one's teeth, to show tenseness, anger, or determination by or as if by clamping or grinding the teeth together.

grit ¹ British  

/ ɡrɪt /

noun

1. small hard particles of sand, earth, stone, etc

2. Also called: gritstone.  any coarse sandstone that can be used as a grindstone or millstone

3. the texture or grain of stone

4. indomitable courage, toughness, or resolution

5. engineering an arbitrary measure of the size of abrasive particles used in a grinding wheel or other abrasive process

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verb

1. to clench or grind together (two objects, esp the teeth)

2. to cover (a surface, such as icy roads) with grit

Grit ² British  

/ ɡrɪt /

noun

1. an informal word for Liberal

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Other Word Forms

• gritless adjective
• gritter noun

Etymology

Origin of grit

First recorded before 1000; Middle English gret, griet, grit, Old English grēot; cognate with German Griess, Old Norse grjōt “pebble, boulder”; grits

Example Sentences

A third project involves a diamond grit manufacturing facility in Georgia, according to Commerce officials.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jonah asked, pushing the words out through gritted teeth.

From Literature

Just a dream, grit and unyielding pride in who we represent.

From Barron's

We have amazing Brits with grit and amazing talent, it's all about unlocking that.

From BBC

I'm not sure how gritted his teeth were at the time and can only imagine how awkward their next joint public appearance will be.

From BBC

Related Words

• daring
• fortitude
• guts
• moxie
• perseverance
• spirit
• spunk
• tenacity
• toughness