different between audacity vs mettle

English

Etymology

From late Middle English audacite, from Medieval Latin audacitas, from Latin audax (“bold”), from aude? (“I am bold, I dare”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: ô-d??s?ti, IPA^(key): /???dæs?ti/
• (US) enPR: ô-d??s?ti, IPA^(key): /??dæs?ti/

Noun

audacity (countable and uncountable, plural audacities)

1. Insolent boldness, especially when imprudent or unconventional.

   The brash private had the audacity to criticize the general.

   Somebody never pays his loans, yet he has the audacity to ask the bank for money.
2. Fearlessness, intrepidity or daring, especially with confident disregard for personal safety, conventional thought, or other restrictions.

Synonyms

• (insolent boldness): audaciousness, outdaciousness, temerity

Related terms

• audacious

Translations

Further reading

• audacity in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• audacity in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• audacity at OneLook Dictionary Search

English

Etymology

1580s, originally a variant of metal, which had a figurative sense until the early 18th century.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?m?t.l?/, /?m?.t?l/
• Rhymes: -?t?l
• Homophones: metal, medal, meddle (in accents with flapping)

Noun

mettle (usually uncountable, plural mettles)

1. A quality of endurance and courage.

   Synonyms: courage, heart, spirit

   • 2001, Harry J. Alexandrowicz, Testing your Mettle: Tough Problems and Real-world Solutions for Middle and High School Teachers, page xiii

     Please read on and discover the issues in education that test the mettle of those who experience this world every day.
2. Good temperament and character.
3. (obsolete) Metal; a metallic substance.

Derived terms

• mettlesome

Translations

References