grit
7 synonyms for grit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Small, hard particles such as sand, dirt, or grime.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use grit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
show grit
grit your teeth
true grit
grit and determination
Etymology
From Old English grēot, meaning coarse sand or gravel — the figurative sense of "toughness" or "courage" developed much later, likening a person's resolve to something hard and unyielding.
Full origin of grit →Frequently asked questions
What does “grit” mean?
The word “grit” means small, hard particles such as sand, dirt, or grime. In plain terms, either rough, sandy particles, or (more commonly today) the inner toughness to push through hardship.
How do you pronounce “grit”?
“Grit” is pronounced griht (/ɡɹɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “grit” in a sentence?
Here is “grit” used in a sentence: “Grit from the road covered the windshield after the storm.”
What part of speech is “grit”?
Depending on how it is used, “grit” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “grit” come from?
The word “grit” comes from Old English. From Old English grēot, meaning coarse sand or gravel — the figurative sense of "toughness" or "courage" developed much later, likening a person's resolve to something hard and unyielding.
Is “grit” a common word?
“Grit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “grit” have?
“Grit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: small, hard particles such as sand, dirt, or grime.
