fortitude

[ fawr-ti-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:

   Never once did her fortitude waver during that long illness.

fortitude

/ ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance

Derived Forms

• ˌfortiˈtudinous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortitude¹

First recorded 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin fortitūdō “strength, firmness, courage,” equivalent to forti(s) “strong” + -tūdō noun suffix ( -tude )

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortitude¹

C15: from Latin fortitūdō courage

Synonym Study

See patience.

Example Sentences

The cash will also fund the Op Fortitude helpline, a referral service to help former service people find housing support.

From BBC

Doesn't understand, never had the intestinal fortitude, to cut spending.

From Salon

The congregation at her funeral service heard Ms Aust would be missed for her “kindness and love” and her “desire to keep going with deep resilience and fortitude”.

From BBC

Patience and Fortitude: These are the names of the stone lions that preside over the steps to the main New York Public Library.

From Los Angeles Times

Miss Churchyard, who trains at Fortitude Fitness in Ipswich and competes in the lighter weight categories, said from early on she found herself always coming back to push herself further.

From BBC

Related Words

• boldness
• bravery
• courage
• determination
• endurance
• fearlessness
• firmness
• grit
• mettle
• moxie
• nerve
• patience
• perseverance
• pluck
• spunk
• stamina
• staying power
• tenacity
• valor