fortitude

USAGE SUMMARY

'fortitude' is a word that is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to mental or emotional strength and/or courage in the face of adversity. Example sentence: "John demonstrated great fortitude when dealing with the tragedy that befell his family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Editorials in Britain's newspapers over the weekend have instead focused on the qualities in the queen — often listed as fortitude, selflessness, commitment to service, and hard work, reflected in the 400 appointments she keeps every year — that are seen as characterizing her reign.

The New York Times

Many of the participants showed extraordinary fortitude and commitment to science.

TechCrunch

Our nation should never condemn you for demonstrating that level of moral fortitude and commitment".

Vice

The band that Joe has assembled is a testament to his vision and fortitude; a commitment he and his musicians have made to persevere with this project over the last seven years.

Huffington Post

The kind of Life that not only fuels self generating love and feels thriving, peaceful and free, but one that is filled with ingredients that nurture the fortitude and commitment it takes to feel you can do the longevity thing to be in your life, so fully and completely?

Huffington Post

"Ninety percent of being successful in racing is having the fortitude, commitment and drive to keep going, no matter what," Rahal said.

The New York Times - Sports

She will be remembered for her caring and generous spirit, her optimism and curiosity about life, her fortitude and her commitment to making the world around her a more enlightened, kinder place.

The New York Times

But he takes each day at a time with fortitude, humor and commitment to make every day with his family matter.

Huffington Post

Do you really think he is going to have the fortitude, patience and commitment to stand against his tribe of co-elites... and stand up for people like you--when he NEVER has before?

Huffington Post

"Marriage" conveys love, commitment, fortitude.

The New York Times

While the five week-old demonstration is hardly at war with the British empire, it is in the midst of hunkering down for an east coast winter that will test the movement's commitment and fortitude.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fortitude", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation involving adversity or challenge. This reinforces the word's inherent meaning of strength in difficult times.

Common error

Avoid using "fortitude" to describe simple acts of everyday resilience. It is best reserved for situations involving significant adversity or prolonged challenges, not minor inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fortitude" is that of a noun, representing the mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that this word is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fortitude" refers to mental and emotional strength in facing adversity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and widely used. The word is found most frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts and serves to express admiration for someone's resilience. When using "fortitude", ensure it's reserved for situations with significant challenge, and consider alternatives like "resilience" or "courage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strength of character

Emphasizes the inherent moral and mental qualities that enable someone to face challenges.

grit and resilience

Combines perseverance ("grit") with the ability to bounce back from setbacks ("resilience").

courage in adversity

Replaces "fortitude" with a focus on bravery when facing difficult situations.

inner strength

Emphasizes the internal resources that allow someone to cope with difficulties.

mental toughness

Highlights the psychological resilience needed to overcome obstacles.

unyielding spirit

Focuses on the unwavering determination to persist despite challenges.

stamina and resolve

Highlights the endurance ("stamina") and firm decision to succeed ("resolve")

moral fiber

Replaces "fortitude" with a focus on moral strength and integrity.

intestinal fortitude

Adds an informal and emphatic tone to express mental and emotional strength.

backbone

Informal expression indicating strength of character and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "fortitude" in a sentence?

"Fortitude" is typically used to describe mental or emotional strength in facing adversity. For example, "She showed great "fortitude" during her illness".

What are some words I can use instead of "fortitude"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "resilience", "courage", or "grit" to express similar ideas.

Is "fortitude" formal or informal?

"Fortitude" is generally considered a formal term. In less formal contexts, words like "toughness" or "guts" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "fortitude" and "patience"?

"Fortitude" refers to strength and courage in enduring pain or adversity, whereas "patience" is the capacity to accept delay or suffering without complaint. While both involve endurance, "fortitude" emphasizes resilience in the face of hardship.