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mettle Meaning & Definition

/ˈmɛtəl/

What Does Mettle Mean?

Mettle is a noun that means A quality of courage and endurance. It can also mean Good temperament and character. As an adjective, it means Spirited, vigorous, stout-hearted.

Quick Facts About Mettle

Part of speechnoun, adjective
Pronunciation/ˈmɛtəl/
Synonymsspunk, heart and nerve
Pluralmettles

Mettle Definition (Noun)

  1. A quality of courage and endurance.
  2. Good temperament and character.
  3. Obsolete spelling of metal (“metallic substance”).

Mettle as an Adjective

  1. Spirited, vigorous, stout-hearted.

Synonyms of Mettle

Mettle synonyms and antonyms →

Word Forms & Grammar

mettle (usually uncountable, plural mettles)

mettle

Words That Rhyme With Mettle

settlenettlefettlemetalettlekettlebetelunsettlepetalnoble metalprecious metalsheet metalbell metalwhite metaltetelalkali metalstinging nettleresettleroad metaltype metalhemp nettlehorse nettlefusible metalgilding metalhedge nettlemisch metalyellow metalcetylmetolketol

Origin of Mettle

From figurative use of metal (since 16th century). The two spellings were originally interchangeable variants, but came to be distinguished by sense in the 18th century.[1]

Frequently Asked Questions About Mettle

Is mettle a noun or an adjective?

Mettle is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective.

What is another word for mettle?

Words with a similar meaning to mettle include spunk, heart and nerve. See the full list of mettle synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of mettle?

The plural of mettle is mettles.

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