gumption (ˈɡʌmpʃən
)
Definitions
noun
informal- British common sense or resourcefulness
- initiative or courage ⇒
you haven't the gumption to try
Word Origin
C18: originally Scottish, of unknown originSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
common sense,
sense,
ability,
spirit,
initiative,
enterprise,
wit(s)
savvy,
acumen,
nous,
get-up-and-go,
cleverness,
resourcefulness,
shrewdness,
discernment,
sagacity,
horse sense,
astuteness,
mother wit,
Usage examples
Not intellectually -- even Stan would have admitted that I had the gumption to use a credit card -- but emotionally.
, THE MAŃANA MAN (2002)Strangely, nobody can summon the gumption to actually tell him to go.
India Today (2001)"When the Premier will gather the gumption to call an election is anyone's guess.
Globe and Mail (2003)John and Richard are real stars-lets hope some TV executive has the gumption to sign them up.
Sun, News of the World (1999)That's why I like the word... If you're going to repair a motorcycle, an adequate supply of gumption is the first and most important tool.
, Unitive Thinking (1988)