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Definition of mettle

mettle

/ˈmɛt.əl/
met · tle
Adverb:mettlesomely
•
Adjective:mettlesome
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mettle Lexical Profile

mettle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way; courage and fortitude.

Example

"The grueling championship match truly tested the young athlete's mettle."

2

Inherent quality of character, disposition, or temperament.

Example

"She proved herself to be a leader of high mettle during the organizational crisis."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for mettle

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'mettle' (courage, resilience, or strength of spirit) with its homophones 'metal' (a solid chemical element or alloy) and 'meddle' (to interfere in someone else's affairs).

• Rhymes for mettle

• Nearby Words

metrosexual
metrosexuality
metrosideros
mettle
meuse
mew
mewl

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the late 16th century as a variant spelling of the noun 'metal' (from Old French and Latin 'metallum'), used figuratively in reference to the quality of the metal in a sword blade to denote a person's inherent temperament, spirit, and resilience.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mettle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mettle
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