Basic Details
Word: Mettle
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The ability to cope with difficulties or perform well under pressure.
Synonyms: Courage, spirit, resilience, determination
Antonyms: Cowardice, weakness
Idioms and Phrases
- Test of mettle: A situation that tests someone's ability to deal with challenges. Example: "The exam was a true test of mettle for the students."
- Steel one's mettle: To prepare oneself to face something difficult or challenging. Example: "Before the match, he needed to steel his mettle and focus on the game."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Climbing the mountain was a test of her mettle, but she reached the summit with determination.
Example 2: The athlete showed great mettle when she competed despite her injury.
Example 3: In times of crisis, it's important to have the mettle to remain calm and make wise decisions.
Fun Fact
The word "mettle" originated from the Old French word 'metal,' which meant 'metal' or 'substance.' It has evolved to represent the strength of character akin to the properties of metals.
Famous Quote
"The greatest test of courage on Earth is to bear defeat without losing heart." Robert Green Ingersoll
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "mettle" mean?
a) A type of metal
b) The ability to cope with difficulties
c) A kind of tool
d) A fashion style
Answer: b) The ability to cope with difficulties
2. Which of these is a synonym of "mettle"?
a) Weakness
b) Cowardice
c) Courage
d) Apathy
Answer: c) Courage
3. What is the opposite of "mettle"?
a) Resilience
b) Cowardice
c) Spirit
d) Determination
Answer: b) Cowardice
4. Which sentence uses "mettle" correctly?
a) The blacksmith forged the mettle into a sword.
b) She was tested for her mettle during the tough competition.
c) These shoes are made from high-quality mettle.
d) Mettle is the opposite of determination.
Answer: b) She was tested for her mettle during the tough competition.
5. Which idiom means to prepare oneself to face a challenge?
a) Test of mettle
b) Steel one's mettle
c) Strike while the iron is hot
d) At the drop of a hat
Answer: b) Steel one's mettle
