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gumption

gumption

15 8.1
Being brave and using common sense to act and solve problems
  • noun
  • /ˈɡʌmpʃən/
translation icon : iniciativa
  • It takes a lot of gumption to start your own business, especially in today's economy.
  • enough gumption
  • a lot of gumption
  • takes gumption

You may have goals and ideas, but not the gumption to do them.

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Examples

  • Easier said than done, but with enough gumption, it is not impossible.

    Blog text (30)
  • You have a lot of gumption.

  • You may have goals and ideas, but not the gumption to do them.

  • A man with gumption and focus and organization!

  • Having the gumption to act on that and to start your own company, it's very impressive.

  • Rare to meet a young woman with so much gumption.

  • Just show a little gumption.

  • So, how can we best help those who have the giftings, gumption, and real potential?

    Blog text (20)
  • Dad called her a trooper and praised her gumption, then broke down in sobs.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • It shows gumption.

Synonyms

sense
vsgumption
3.7

Good practical judgment about what to do

also expects courage and active problem solving as well as judgment
common sense
vsgumption
244 1.8

The ability to make good decisions in everyday life

also involves courage and resourceful action beyond everyday judgment
sand
vsgumption
  • Archaic
72 9.9

Courage and determination in difficult situations

includes practical judgment and resourceful action alongside courage
backbone
vsgumption
56 3.7

The strength or courage to do what is difficult

also covers making practical, sensible decisions and clever solutions
good sense
vsgumption
53 3.6

The ability to make sensible decisions in everyday life

also includes courage and energetic action alongside sensible judgment
grit
vsgumption
34 5.3

Courage to keep going when things are hard

also involves practical judgment and resourceful action, not just endurance
moxie
vsgumption
  • Informal
18 8.8

Brave, confident attitude that helps someone face difficulty

adds sensible decision making and clever problem solving to that spirit
resourcefulness
vsgumption
11 4.5

The ability to find quick, clever ways to solve problems in difficult situations

adds decisive courage and action to clever problem solving
guts
vsgumption
  • Informal
2 3.7

Courage to do something difficult even when you feel afraid

adds sensible decisions and clever action to raw bravery
sagacity
vsgumption
  • Formal
1 8.7

Being very wise and good at making decisions

focuses on wisdom rather than bold courageous action and quick resourcefulness
horse sense
vsgumption
  • Informal
1 4.8

Being able to make good practical decisions in everyday life

also requires courage and readiness to act, not just judgment
mother wit
vsgumption
1 9.9

Natural practical sense a person is born with, not learned at school

also needs courage and determined, resourceful action beyond simple intelligence
grittiness
vsgumption
1 5.1

Bravery and determination in difficult situations

also relies on quick sensible choices and clever actions, not only toughness
gumptious attitude
vsgumption
8.6

A bold, energetic way people face challenges

combines sensible choice with courage and practical action
decidedness
vsgumption
6.5

Being clear and firm when you choose what to do

lacks the courage and creative problem solving that join clear decisions
pertinacity
vsgumption
  • Formal
9.9

Being very determined and not giving up

is less about stubborn effort and more about smart courageous problem solving

Antonyms

46 5.5

Lack of courage to face danger or difficulty

19 3.4

Not able to make a choice quickly or with confidence

How Resourceful

initiative
118 3.5
pluck
4 7.6
gumption
15 8.1
caution
158 2.5
timidity
7 5.8

Surface Forms

gumption singular
gumptions plural

Etymology

Gumption comes from Scots and old English where it meant 'common sense' or 'practical courage'. Think of it as having 'guts' and cleverness to get things done. That's why gumption now means the ability to make sensible decisions and act with courage and resourcefulness.