mettle
/ˈmɛtəl/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.72 in modern English
8
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
Example Sentences
- "By this Day and this Light, the fellow ha's mettell enough in his belly."
- "Please read on and discover the issues in education that test the mettle of those who experience this world every day."
- "He was presently in as active circulation, on the campus and elsewhere, as ever. The few who looked after him at all came to the view that he possessed more mettle than stamina."
- "Its possible that some traders will become less interested as their offline lives resume more fully, but their mettle may really be tested when the market runs into its next downturn."
- "Your Maſter quits you: and for your ſeruice done him, / So much againſt the mettle of your ſex"
- "The arrival of this unexpected heir soon taking wind in the court, still makes good for the Sol, and keeps the court upon its mettle."
Etymology
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.