mettle
noun/ˈmɛtəl/
Frequency rank: #16,847 most common English word
Meaning
A person's ability to cope well with difficulties; spirit and courage.
Example sentence
The young soldier proved his mettle by staying calm under fire.
Synonyms & related words
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 16,801–16,900
- lathera thick foam or froth produced by soap or detergent mixed with water.
- lugeA small sled used for racing down an ice track while lying face up.
- lumberjacka person whose job is to cut down trees in a forest.
- lyeA strongly alkaline solution, typically made from potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, used in soap-making and cleaning.
- meldto blend or merge different things together into a unified whole.
- militancyaggressive or combative support for a cause, often involving confrontational action.
- monochromaticconsisting of or using only one color or shades of one color
- motherlyHaving or showing qualities associated with a caring mother; warm and protective.
- nightstanda small bedside table used to hold items such as a lamp, clock, or book.
- northernmostsituated furthest in the direction of the north.