Word: grit (noun)

Associations

Grit is the strength of character or determination to continue despite difficulties. It suggests perseverance and courage in challenging situations.

• She showed great grit when she decided to complete the marathon, even after injuring her ankle. (This example highlights determination in a physical challenge.)
• His grit during tough times at work earned him the respect of his colleagues. (Here, it shows resilience in a professional setting.)
• The student's grit was evident when she improved her grades against all odds. (In this case, it denotes persistence in education.)

A well-known synonym for grit is determination. The main difference is that determination often refers to the firmness of purpose, while grit emphasizes the ability to keep going, despite setbacks.

Substitution

In place of "grit," you can use words like:

• perseverance
  • This suggests continued effort in the face of difficulty but may not emphasize the toughness as much.
• tenacity
  • This implies a strong grip on a goal, often refusing to let go, and can imply stubbornness.
• resilience
  • This focuses more on the ability to bounce back after facing hardship.

Deconstruction

The word grit comes from Old English grit which means "sand" or "small stones." This suggests having a rough quality, which metaphorically ties to tough character—being gritty rather than smooth.

Inquiry

Think about a time when you showed grit. What challenges did you face? Do you know someone who displays grit in their life? How do they demonstrate it? In what areas of life do you think grit is most important: education, sports, or maybe personal relationships?