mettle

noun

met·​tle ˈme-tᵊl How to pronounce mettle (audio)
1
a
: vigor and strength of spirit or temperament (see temperament sense 1a)
a girl of … mettle who lost a baby brother to leukemiaBill Zehme
b
: staying quality : stamina
equipment that proved its mettle
proved his mettle in battle
2
: quality of temperament or disposition
gentlemen of brave mettleWilliam Shakespeare
mettled adjective
Phrases
on one's mettle
: aroused to do one's best

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Is mettle Connected to Metal?

Originally, mettle was simply a variant spelling of the word metal (which dates to at least the 13th century), and it was used in all of the same senses as its metallic relative. Over time, however, mettle came to be used mainly in figurative senses referring to the quality of someone's character. It eventually became a distinct English word in its own right, losing its literal sense altogether. Metal remained a term primarily used for those hard, shiny substances such as steel or iron, but it also acquired a figurative use. Today, both words can mean "vigor and strength of spirit or temperament," but only metal is used of metallic substances.

Choose the Right Synonym for mettle

courage, mettle, spirit, resolution, tenacity mean mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.

courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.

the courage to support unpopular causes

mettle suggests an ingrained capacity for meeting strain or difficulty with fortitude and resilience.

a challenge that will test your mettle

spirit also suggests a quality of temperament enabling one to hold one's own or keep up one's morale when opposed or threatened.

her spirit was unbroken by failure

resolution stresses firm determination to achieve one's ends.

the resolution of pioneer women

tenacity adds to resolution implications of stubborn persistence and unwillingness to admit defeat.

held to their beliefs with great tenacity

Examples of mettle in a Sentence

The competition will test her mettle.
Recent Examples on the Web Activist Maria Teresa Griffin, who proved her mettle in fight against East L.A. prison, dies Maria Teresa Griffin, a founding member of the Mothers of East Los Angeles protest group, has died after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Political observers speculated that Mr. Mulroney, who came from humble roots in Quebec, saw himself as an outsider constantly needing to prove his mettle. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Twice, when asked to prove their mettle, the Hoosiers managed only casual surrender, in a pair of games that suggest this team’s season will not last beyond spring break. Zach Osterman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Jan. 2024 In every leader's journey, a moment arises that tests their mettle, presenting challenges that range from internal organizational hurdles to global crises like the Covid-19 pandemic. Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The 49ers, after all, proved their mettle with second-half comebacks in last month’s playoff wins. Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2024 Sheri proved her mettle while venturing into state-level leadership at the Ohio Department of Aging during the 2008 Great Recession. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Ana’s dire outlook finally improves after proving her mettle to Claire, earning a coveted spot as her third assistant on a spontaneous business trip to London. Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Feb. 2024 Pro sports grant players the opportunity to etch their name on the cup of destiny, to reach heights of competitive ecstasy, win the big one, prove their true mettle. Corbin Smith, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mettle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

alteration of metal

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of mettle was in 1581

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Dictionary Entries Near mettle

Cite this Entry

“Mettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mettle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mettle

noun
met·​tle ˈmet-ᵊl How to pronounce mettle (audio)
1
: quality of temperament or disposition
2
: strength of spirit
3
: ability to keep going : staying power

More from Merriam-Webster on mettle

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