Plucky
/ˈplʌki/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Plucky means having bravery and a strong spirit, especially when facing problems or danger. It describes a person who does not give up easily and tries hard, even when things are tough or frightening.
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See It in Action
Showing courage and determination in hard or scary situations
- •The plucky child faced the big dog without fear.
- •Despite the storm, the plucky sailors kept working on the ship.
- •She was plucky enough to speak in front of the large crowd.
Describing a person who tries hard and does not give up easily
- •The plucky team kept playing even when they were losing.
- •His plucky attitude helped him finish the difficult race.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "plucky" like "brave," but with a small, strong heart that keeps going even when scared
- ✓Picture a small bird or animal standing tall and ready to face a big challenge
- ✓It's the feeling when you try something new even if you are nervous or afraid
- ✓Sounds like "pluck-y" → imagine someone pulling (pluck) courage from inside themselves like picking a strong string on a guitar
- ✓Think of a story about a small hero who fights against big problems and never quits
- ✓NOT like "bold" (which can mean loud and confident), "plucky" is quiet courage and steady effort
- ✓NOT like "careless" (no worry), "plucky" means you are careful but still brave
- ✓NOT like "strong" (physical power), "plucky" is about mental courage and heart
Try Other Words
- •Courageous: having courage (Use when you want a more formal or strong word for bravery)
- •Determined: showing strong will to do something (Use when focusing on not giving up)
- •Bold: confident and willing to take risks (Use when the person is more confident and less quiet about it)
- •Fearless: without fear (Use when someone shows no fear at all, stronger than plucky)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pluck" (to pull or pick) + suffix "-y" (makes adjective)
- •Etymology: "Pluck" originally meant to pull something quickly, later used for courage or spirit, especially in British English
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe spirited, brave people, especially those who face danger with heart
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe people or animals who show courage and determination, often in a positive, friendly way
Reflect & Connect
•Can being plucky sometimes mean taking risks that others avoid? When is this good or bad?
•How do you feel when you see someone acting plucky? Does it inspire you to be braver?
Fill in the blanks
1.The plucky girl ___ her fear and entered the dark cave to find her lost puppy.
2.Even though the team was behind, their plucky spirit ___ them to keep trying until the end.
3.Unlike a bold person who acts loudly, a plucky person shows ___ courage quietly.
4.When the small dog barked at the big one, it was a perfect example of being plucky ___ size.
5.People often describe athletes as plucky when they ___ hard despite difficulties.
6.The plucky hero did not give up ___ the danger around him.
7.You can tell someone is plucky when they ___ challenges instead of avoiding them.