Gutsy
adj.resilient, energeticplayful
What it means
Showing bold courage, initiative, and willingness to accept a meaningful risk.
Reach for it when praising a daring choice when preparation and purpose make it defensible
Her gutsy final sprint secured the relay team's place.
Choose between these
7- playful
informal praise should stress apparent absence of hesitation
not when No one is literally without fear, and ignoring risk is not a virtue.
- everyday
confident willingness to take a risk is the broad quality
not when Bold can describe style or scale without the personal nerve of gutsy.
- warm
the action ventures beyond the safe conventional choice
not when Daring can celebrate novelty even when the risk was poorly judged.
- professional
initiative turns an opportunity into practical action
not when Enterprising focuses on resourceful ambition rather than courage itself.
- formal
a striking challenge to convention is genuinely impressive
not when A modest risk rarely warrants audacious, which can also suggest brazenness.
- formal
serious risk or moral pressure deserves respectful praise
not when Courageous is weightier and less lively than gutsy.
- literary
an underdog shows cheerful courage
not when Plucky can sound patronizing, especially about prolonged hardship.
Said against
3- timid
- cowardly
- risk-averse
It naturally appears in
3- gutsy move
The gutsy move succeeded because the team had rehearsed the fallback.
- gutsy performance
A gutsy performance recovered after the opening mistake.
- gutsy decision
Her gutsy decision paired urgency with an independent safety check.
Usage notes
Gutsy should not praise recklessness. A worthwhile purpose and informed risk distinguish it from impulsive behavior.