Grit (GRIT)

From Old English greot, meaning “sand, dust, earth, gravel,” from a Germanic root referring to coarse particles or small stones. The word later developed figurative meanings connected with toughness, firmness, and strength of character.

Old English greot (“sand, gravel, small stones”) → Middle English grit (“sand, gravel”) → figurative English grit (“courage, firmness of character”).

Sand, gravel, or small coarse particles of stone.

Grit began as something physical: rough particles of sand or stone. By the 19th century, English speakers were using it figuratively for firmness, courage, and strength of character—the idea of someone being mentally “tough.” In modern psychology, psychologist Angela Duckworth helped popularize a more specific concept of grit: sustained passion and perseverance toward long-term goals. That psychological construct is influential but has also been debated and studied in relation to traits such as conscientiousness and perseverance.

Courage, determination, and toughness in difficult circumstances. In psychology, grit commonly refers to sustained perseverance and commitment toward long-term goals.

Grit, Gritty, Grittiness, Grittier, Grittiest

Perseverance, Resilience, Discipline, Determination, Tenacity, Fortitude, Courage, Endurance, Persistence, Motivation, Ambition, Adversity, Effort, Failure, Success, Long-Term Goals, Mental Toughness, Self-Control, Character, Growth Mindset, Angela Duckworth, Conscientiousness