Although similar, synonyms have subtly different meanings and are used in different contexts. For example, the words calculate, cipher, cypher, figure, reckon and work out are all synonyms of each other because they have roughly the same meaning, but there are subtle differences. Test your synonym knowledge.
X a. courage
b. fortitude
X c. guts
X d. nerve
e. pluck
x f. resolution
X g. tenacity
h. valor
XX 1. ___ is what makes someone capable of facing extreme danger and difficulty without retreating...the ___ to confront the enemy head-on.
XX 2. Someone who has ___, a slang word indicating an admirable display of #1 when it really counts...having the ___ to stand up to one's boss; also described as having intestinal #3.
3. ___ is the most formal of any of these words; it suggest firmness or strength of mind rather than physical bravery...the ___ to stand up for his beliefs.
XX 4. ___ also implies firmness of mind rather than fearlessness, but the emphasis is on the determination to achieve a goal in spite of opposition or interference...a woman of strong ___, not easily held back by her male superiors.
XX 5. ___ goes one step beyond #4, adding stubborn persistence and unwillingness to acknowledge defeat...the ___ of a bulldog.
6. ___ connotes high spirits, conviction, and eagerness...the ___ to volunteer her time even after she'd been laid off.
XX 7. ___ is the cool, unflappable daring with which someone takes a calculated risk...the ___ to take over the controls and land the plane safely; ___ can also refer to brashness or even rudeness in social situations...she had the ___ to go to his house without calling first.
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