different between valour vs mettle

English

Alternative forms

• valor

Etymology

From Middle English valour, from Anglo-Norman valour, from Latin valor.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?væl?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?væl?/
• Rhymes: -æl?(?)

Noun

valour (usually uncountable, plural valours) (British spelling)

1. Value; worth.
2. Strength of mind in regard to danger; the quality which enables a person to encounter danger with firmness

   Synonyms: bravery, courage, prowess, intrepidity

3. (dated) A brave man; a man of valour.

Derived terms

• discretion is the better part of valour

Related terms

Translations

Anagrams

• louvar, ovular

Old French

Noun

valour f (oblique plural valours, nominative singular valour, nominative plural valours)

1. Late Anglo-Norman spelling of valur
   • Flatour est un soubtil enchanteour;
     Car par son vein enchantement
     Fait croire au dame et au seignour
     Que sur tous autres de valour
     Sont plus digne et plus excellent.

     Flattery is a subtle enchanter,
     For by its vain enchantment
     It makes damsels and lords alike believe
     That above all other valorous people
     Are more worthy and more excellent.

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