gritty

[grit-ee]

adjective

grittier, grittiest 

1. consisting of, containing, or resembling grit; sandy.

2. resolute and courageous; plucky.

gritty

/ ˈɡrɪtɪ /

adjective

1. courageous; hardy; resolute

2. of, like, or containing grit

Other Word Forms

• grittily adverb
• grittiness noun
• ungritty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gritty¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; grit + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Most everything from Taylor Swift to the grittiest punk music is made by people on the left.

From Salon

As a child, Lulu modelled herself on James Brown and Big Mama Thornton – gritty R&B singers who lent their grit and growl to Lulu's version of Shout.

From BBC

Though rooted in the concept of genre — which typically means a selection of gritty thrillers, horror and action — Beyond Fest pushes well past such basic concepts.

From Los Angeles Times

The scene on Friday afternoon captured the Hollywood that Kimmel embraced and aggressively promoted: Weird, gritty and surprisingly poignant.

From Los Angeles Times

After 32 minutes, Ward put England in front for the first time, finally overwhelming some gritty Australian goalline defence to make it 12-7.

From BBC

Related Words

• dusty 
• grainy 
• rough