Definition

1. Noun:

   • Small, loose particles of stone or sand: "grit" refers to tiny, hard granules, often of sand or stone.
   • Strength of character; courage and resolve: "grit" can also mean the quality of having perseverance and passion for long-term goals, showing courage and toughness.

2. Verb:

   • To clench or grind, especially the teeth: "grit" means to press or grind something together tightly, often in determination or pain.
   • To spread grit on a surface: "grit" means to cover a surface, like a road, with small stones or sand, typically to improve traction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • I got some grit in my eye from the wind. (A small particle of sand entered my eye.)
  • She showed true grit by finishing the marathon despite her injury. (She demonstrated great determination and courage.)

• Verb:

  • He had to grit his teeth to endure the pain. (He clenched his teeth tightly.)
  • The council will grit the roads tonight because frost is expected. (The council will spread sand/gravel on the roads.)

Advanced Usage

• "True grit": exceptional courage and fortitude, especially in the face of hardship.
  • The pioneer's story is one of true grit and survival.
• "Grit one's teeth": to show determination in a difficult situation; to endure something unpleasant.
  • You just have to grit your teeth and get through the exam.

Variants and Related Words

• Gritty (adj): containing or covered with grit; showing courage and resolve.
  • The gritty sand got everywhere. (Containing small particles.)
  • She gave a gritty performance. (Showing toughness and determination.)
• Grits (n, plural): a coarse meal of ground corn, eaten as a breakfast dish, especially in the southern US.
  • He ordered eggs and grits for breakfast.

Synonyms

• Noun (particles): sand, gravel, dust.
• Noun (courage): fortitude, resilience, pluck, determination, tenacity.
• Verb (clench): grind, gnash, clench.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "To have grit": to possess courage and perseverance.
  • You need to have grit to succeed in this business.
• "A gritted road": a road that has been covered with sand or small stones for traction.
  • Be careful driving; this is a gritted road.

Noun

1. fortitude and determination
   • he didn't have the guts to try it
2. a hard coarse-grained siliceous sandstone

Verb

1. clench together
   • grit one's teeth
2. cover with a grit
   • grit roads