mettle

American  

[met-l] / ˈmɛt l /

noun

1. courage and fortitude.

   a man of mettle.

   Synonyms:

   fiber, nerve, ardor, vigor, pluck, valor

2. disposition or temperament.

   a man of fine mettle.

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idioms

1. on one's mettle, in the position of being incited to do one's best.

   The loss of the first round put him on his mettle to win the match.

mettle British  

/ ˈmɛtəl /

noun

1. courage; spirit

2. inherent character

3. roused to putting forth one's best efforts

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Etymology

Origin of mettle

1575–85; spelling variant of metal, in metaphoric usages

Example Sentences

“Do not test my mettle, dastardly villain!” warned Major Puff.

From Literature

Fighting talk from his players about the introspection sessions they have put themselves through since the implosions of the autumn were words that were not acted upon when the first test of their mettle arrived.

From BBC

Held once every four years, often in finicky environments, pressurized with all that hype, they’re less a measure of consistency than they are of momentary mettle.

From The Wall Street Journal

Turner said Darnold showed his mettle by directing the game-winning drive against the Rams the last time they visited Lumen Field.

From Los Angeles Times

Calum: Another massive statement from Hearts, answering any lingering questions from critics about their mettle and strength of mentality.

From BBC

Related Words

• bravery
• caliber
• courage
• fortitude
• grit
• spunk
• stamina
• temperament