mettle
pronunciation
How to pronounce mettle in British English:
UK [ˈmetl]
How to pronounce mettle in American English:
US [ˈmɛtl]
-
- Noun:
- the courage to carry on
Word Origin
- mettle (n.)
- 1580s, variant spelling of metal, both forms used interchangeably (by Shakespeare and others) in the literal sense and in the figurative one of "stuff of which a person is made" (1550s) until the spellings and senses diverged early 18c.
Example
- 1. It is in adversity that a country shows its mettle .
- 2. Even those who think he is canny enough to tack right after winning wonder if he has the mettle to face down his party .
- 3. As to whether mous recover , that depends on their mettle .
- 4. It is for the leaders to match the mettle of the people .
- 5. Either way , the first test of mr pe a 's mettle has come even before he has taken office .