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mettlesome

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈmɛtəlˌsʌm/

KK: /ˈmɛtəlˌsʌm/

adjective
Definition

Having a lot of spirit, courage, or determination; brave and lively.


Example

The mettlesome horse jumped over the high fence with ease.


Conversation
Sloth A
I really admire how mettlesome you are when facing challenges.
Sloth B
Thanks! I believe you have to be brave to overcome obstacles.
Sloth A
It’s inspiring to see someone so mettlesome in tough situations.
Sloth B
I think we all have that spirit inside us; we just need to tap into it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spirited
brave
valiant
Antonyms
timid
cowardly
meek
Root Explanation

Mettlesome → It is formed from "mettle" (from Middle English *mettel*, meaning spirit or courage) and the suffix "-some" (meaning characterized by). The word "mettlesome" describes someone characterized by spirit or courage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mettle' as representing spirit or courage, and remember that 'mettlesome' means someone who is full of that spirit.

Visually Confused Words
nettlesome
rattlesome
meddlesome
battlesome
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