Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words (original) (raw)
fortitude
noun
- mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:
Never once did her fortitude waver during that long illness.
/ ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd /
noun
- strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance
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Derived Forms
- ˌfortiˈtudinous, adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of fortitude1
First recorded
1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin fortitūdō “strength, firmness, courage,” equivalent to forti(s) “strong” + -tūdō noun suffix ( -tude
)
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Word History and Origins
Origin of fortitude1
C15: from Latin fortitūdō courage
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
Doesn't understand, never had the intestinal fortitude, to cut spending.
The congregation at her funeral service heard Ms Aust would be missed for her “kindness and love” and her “desire to keep going with deep resilience and fortitude”.
Mr Lammy told the event: "This is a critical time for nerve and for guts and for patience and for fortitude on behalf of allies who stand with Ukraine."
They thanked staffers for their fortitude and dedication and urged them to be observant, before predicting victory in November.
Not everything about tardigrade fortitude is a complete mystery, however.
Related Words
- boldness
- bravery
- courage
- determination
- endurance
- fearlessness
- firmness
- grit
- mettle
- moxie
- nerve
- patience
- perseverance
- pluck
- spunk
- stamina
- staying power
- tenacity
- valor
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More About Fortitude
What is fortitude?
Fortitude is mental or emotional strength in facing something difficult, as in Lillie stayed sane on the deserted island thanks to her intense mental fortitude.
Fortitude refers to mental or emotional strength rather than physical or bodily strength, as in During the pandemic, Kasha wrote poetry to maintain her mental fortitude. But you can use words like strength, power, and intensity as synonyms for fortitude if you are talking specifically about mental or emotional strength.
The adjective form of fortitude is fortitudinous, as in The fortitudinous soldiers never even considered retreating.
Example: You could never tell June was suffering from illness due to her amazing fortitude.
Where does fortitude come from?
The first records of fortitude come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Latin noun fortitūdō, meaning “strength, firmness, or courage.” Fortitude is the kind of courage a person has thanks to a strong will or mental stamina.
Fortitude is nearly always used to describe how a person acts or endures during a crisis or stressful situation. A person who lacks fortitude would panic, cry, or otherwise not endure a struggle. Fortitude is considered a desirable trait, like general bravery or courage, because it shows a person can endure adversity calmly.
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How is fortitude used in real life?
Fortitude is a word people often use to describe others who show amazing courage or resilience.
Leaders reveal their best selves when adversity strikes.
Those who rise to meet new challenges prove they have the fortitude to continue toward a better future.#Leadership— John Baldoni (@JohnBaldoni) March 1, 2020
He's got a great attitude & one brave dude. Driving through flames & roadblocks to help people & animals. Incredible fortitude.
— Marc Moser TV (@RadioMoser) June 13, 2013
Crate training is so hard. I don’t have the fortitude to let a puppy cry for a few min until they settle down 😭
— Danielle Sepulveres 🌻 (@ellesep) March 21, 2020
Try using fortitude!
Is fortitude used correctly in the following sentence?
The gorilla lifted the massive tree trunk thanks to his incredible fortitude powered by his large muscles.