English Dictionary

Definition of “fortitude

fortitude (ˈfɔːtɪˌtjuːdPronunciation for fortitude

Definitions

noun

  1. strength and firmness of mind; resolute endurance

Alternative Forms

ˌfortiˈtudinous adjective

Word Origin

C15: from Latin fortitūdō courage

Usage examples

  • Maxine's spurt of fortitude gave out halfway down, and she began to cry pitifully, but Tammy was having none of it.
    Clive Barker, COLDHEART CANYON (2001)
  • With typical fortitude , most of the affected people went about rebuilding their lives, but there were many who were left rudderless.
    India Today (2003)
  • You might say an Englishman has plenty of on-the-job training for such fortitude.
    Toronto Sun (2003)
  • It was the tackle of tackles in quite the best display of defensive fortitude seen in seven years of the summer competition.
    Times, Sunday Times (2002)
  • Elspeth, like her mother, found physical pain and illness in others disturbing; she preferred the sufferers to endure them with fortitude.
    C.S. Nicholls, ELSPETH HUXLEY: A BIOGRAPHY (2002)

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