Grit
/ɡrɪt/
Grit refers to either small, coarse particles of stone or sand, or metaphorically to courage and perseverance in difficult situations.
Examples
- The team won because of their grit, not talent.
- The mechanic used grit to scour the metal surface.
- His grit helped him overcome years of setbacks.
- The hikers brushed the grit from their boots after the trail.
- The wind blew grit across the desert floor.
Meanings
Derived from Old English grytt, meaning coarse meal or gravel. Related to Dutch grint and German Grieß, all stemming from Proto-Germanic gruþjaz.
Examples
- The hikers brushed the grit from their boots after the trail.
- The mechanic used grit to scour the metal surface.
- There was grit in the oysters, making each bite crunchy.
- The wind blew grit across the desert floor.
- She cleaned the pan, removing years of grit and grease.
Originally referred to physical coarseness. By the 19th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe inner toughness, likening moral strength to the abrasiveness of sand or stone.
Examples
- She showed incredible grit during the marathon despite the injury.
- His grit helped him overcome years of setbacks.
- The team won because of their grit, not talent.
- Leaders need grit to push through crises.
- They admired her grit in speaking out against injustice.