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gritty

gritty

41 5.5
Brave and determined when things are difficult or dangerous
  • adjective
  • /ˈɡrɪti/
translation icon : tenaz
  • I love this gritty city, the secrets that it's telling.
  • gritty realism
  • gritty reality

I was really fast, you know, really tough, gritty kid from from Atlanta.

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Examples

  • The series gives viewers a close and gritty look at what kids go through in these types of programs.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Despite the challenges, she approached the project with a gritty resolve to overcome all obstacles.

  • It's, it's, it's a dark and gritty film and it's not, not for everyone.

  • I think this could make... ...a tough, gritty, New York big city movie.

  • Would be a good like gritty British drama or film.

  • And it was definitely a very gritty look at what he saw on the streets of Detroit.

  • Indeed, Zack pursues his physical therapy with the same gritty strength that made him a star on the football field.

    Academic text (2011)
  • It's a gritty and honest portrayal of the complexities of hobo society.

  • A UNESCO nomination compels a second look at the surprising history of gritty, industrial Liverpool.

    Academic text (2003)
  • The firefighter showed a gritty determination to save everyone trapped in the burning building.

Synonyms

brave
vsgritty
906 1.0

Has courage when facing danger, pain or fear

emphasizes steady resolve under prolonged hardship
steely
vsgritty
20 5.5

Being very determined and not showing fear

places more weight on long term endurance than hardened toughness
spunky
vsgritty
  • Informal
16 4.6

Brave and full of energy and determination

is more about calm, enduring resolve than lively boldness
plucky
vsgritty
14 6.8

To be brave and keep trying when things are hard

is about sustained courage and determination over time
hard-nosed
vsgritty
12 7.2

A practical, tough person who is not moved by feelings

is bolder in facing danger rather than only practically tough
tough-minded
vsgritty
4 6.1

A person who deals with problems in a realistic, determined way and is not easily moved by feelings

focuses more on brave endurance in danger than unemotional realism
hard-bitten
vsgritty
4 8.2

Tough and not easily upset because of difficult past experiences

is courageous with steady resolve rather than merely hardened attitude
gutty
vsgritty
  • Slang
1 8.6

Showing courage and determination when things are hard

stresses lasting inner resolve over single brave acts
game
vsgritty
  • Informal
6.8

Willing to try something new or risky

focuses on steady, persistent resolve rather than eager readiness
gamy
vsgritty
  • Archaic
8.5

Brave and willing to face danger

is more about steady, determined courage than daring risk
mettlesome
vsgritty
8.8

Being brave and full of energy when facing danger

highlights enduring determination rather than high energy or spirit
spirited
vsgritty
4.3

Brave and determined when facing danger or difficulty

is steadier and more about continued resolve than energy
steely-nerved
vsgritty
8.3

Very calm and brave in dangerous or difficult situations

leans more toward rough endurance and stubborn persistence
steely-spined
vsgritty
8.1

Being brave and calm under pressure

emphasizes lasting persistence rather than measured firmness

Antonyms

84 3.9

Feeling fear and avoiding dangerous or difficult situations

1 3.5

People who are shy and afraid to try new or dangerous things

Idioms

To start dealing with the most important details

Start talking about the most important details of a topic

Compounds

nitty-gritty
  • Informal
14 6.5

The most important specific details of a plan or problem

How Brave

heroic
154 3.8
gritty
41 5.5
courageous
157 3.3
brave
906 1.0

Surface Forms

gritty positive

Morphology

gritty = grit (semi-transparent) = grit + y

The adjective is formed from the noun 'grit' meaning determination by a figurative extension; learners may not infer the figurative sense from the physical sense alone.

Etymology

Gritty comes from the old English word grit, which means 'small stones' or 'sand', and people began to call someone with real inner toughness 'gritty' as if they had little stones inside them. So, to call a person gritty is to say they are brave and keep going when things are hard.