moral fortitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"moral fortitude" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the strength and courage to uphold one's moral beliefs and principles, even in the face of challenges or temptations. Example: Despite facing numerous obstacles and pressures, the leader's moral fortitude never wavered as he fought for justice and equality for all citizens.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

This implies that rich parents automatically instil moral fortitude.

The Economist

Cheating, in other words, is the result of a lack of moral fortitude and education.

The New Yorker

I wish I could have even a small part of their moral fortitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, she recalled, "He said something about how he really believed in moral fortitude.

The New York Times

A man with such moral fortitude should be reinstated as England captain" - David Wall.

The Guardian - Sport

This, his third novel, is a tale of a young woman's moral fortitude against the corruption of modern India.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The religious temperance movement, which promotes sober lifestyles and moral Christian fortitude, also still has a hand in lobbying against alcohol.

Vice

Just look what happened to Adam, when he didn't provide his wife with sufficient moral guidance and fortitude.

The Washington Post

Without a statement, and with the bewildering skittishness about getting political, my time at Wheaton left me feeling deeply unsettled about the moral and political fortitude of my spiritual community in the era of Trump and beyond.

The New Yorker

Samet's version of that principle, as she applies it to her students, should be heeded by journalists and politicians: "Our national fondness for celebrating the physical heroism of soldiers — the apparent readiness with which they sacrifice their lives to larger causes — eclipses the far less romantic displays of moral and intellectual fortitude that also distinguish so many of them.

The New York Times - Books

It would send the signal that we did not have the moral resolve and political fortitude to see through what we ourselves have described as a national security imperative".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moral fortitude" when you want to emphasize the strength and resilience required to act in accordance with moral principles, especially in difficult or challenging situations.

Common error

Don't use "moral fortitude" when simply describing honesty or truthfulness. "Moral fortitude" implies a sustained and courageous commitment to ethical behavior in the face of adversity, not just the absence of lying or deceit.

Linguistic Context

Moral fortitude functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It describes a quality or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used phrase. Examples include: "lacking moral fortitude" or "a symbol of moral fortitude".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moral fortitude" is a noun phrase denoting the strength and courage to adhere to one's moral principles, particularly when facing challenges. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases include "moral strength" and "moral courage". When using "moral fortitude", emphasize the sustained commitment to ethical behavior rather than simple honesty. The phrase describes a commendable characteristic, highlighting the resilience required to act morally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moral strength

Focuses on the inherent power of one's moral compass.

moral courage

Emphasizes bravery in upholding moral principles.

ethical resilience

Highlights the ability to recover from ethical challenges.

principled conviction

Stresses a strong belief in one's principles.

strength of character

Broadly refers to the positive qualities defining a person's moral nature.

moral fiber

Emphasizes the inherent moral qualities of a person.

ethical backbone

Highlights the strength to stand up for what is right.

uprightness

Focuses on moral and ethical correctness.

integrity

Emphasizes adherence to a code of moral values.

moral compass

Refers to an internal sense of what is right and wrong that guides one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "moral fortitude" in a sentence?

You can use "moral fortitude" to describe someone's strength and courage in upholding their moral principles, such as: "The leader demonstrated "moral fortitude" in the face of intense public pressure".

What are some alternatives to "moral fortitude"?

Alternatives include "moral strength", "moral courage", and "strength of character". Each emphasizes slightly different aspects of upholding moral principles.

Is it redundant to say "moral fortitude and courage"?

While "fortitude" inherently implies courage, using both terms can add emphasis. However, consider whether the repetition is necessary or if one term would suffice.

What is the difference between "moral fortitude" and "moral integrity"?

"Moral integrity" refers to the adherence to a code of moral values, while "moral fortitude" emphasizes the strength and resilience needed to uphold those values, especially under pressure. "Moral integrity" is about consistency; "moral fortitude" is about resilience.