gumption

gump·tion

noun \ˈgəm(p)-shən\

Definition of GUMPTION

1

chiefly dialect : common sense, horse sense

2

: enterprise, initiative <lacked the gumption to try>

Examples of GUMPTION

1. It took a lot of gumption to speak up for yourself like that.
2. <that girl has no more gumption than a grasshopper and is likely to marry the first man who comes along>

Origin of GUMPTION

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1719

Related to GUMPTION

Synonyms: discreetness, discretion, common sense [chiefly dialect], horse sense, levelheadedness, nous [chiefly British], policy, prudence, sense, sensibleness, wisdom, wit

Antonyms: imprudence, indiscretion

Related Words: street smarts; farsightedness, forehandedness, foresight, foresightedness, forethoughtfulness, judgment (or judgement); brains, gray matter, intelligence; logicality, logicalness, practicality, rationality, rationalness; discernment, discrimination, insight, sagacity, sapience; acumen, astuteness, clearheadedness, keenness, penetration, perspicacity, shrewdness; care, caution, circumspection, precaution, premeditation

Near Antonyms: shortsightedness; brainlessness, foolishness, half-wittedness, idiocy, senselessness, stupidity; carelessness, heedlessness; unreasonableness

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