Webster's English Dictionary

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fortitude

for.ti.tude \'fo.rt-*-.t(y)u:d\ n [ME, fr. L fortitudin-, fortitudo, fr. 
   fortis] obs  1: STRENGTH  2: strength of mind that enables a person to 
   encounter danger or bear pain  or adversity with courage, SAND mean courage 
   and staying power. FORTITUDE stresses firmness in enduring physical or 
   mental hardships and suffering; GRIT stresses unyielding resolution and 
   indomitableness in the face of hardship or danger; BACKBONE suggests the 
   ability to withstand intimidation or domineering; PLUCK suggests courage 
   and tenacity in fighting on esp. against odds; GUTS implies fortitude and 
   stamina essential to facing and coping with what alarms or repels or 
   discourages; SAND is close to GRIT but sometimes suggests also boldness or 
   effrontery SYN syn FORTITUDE, GRIT, BACKBONE, PLUCK, GUTS