Hardihood
What it means
Bold courage and physical or moral toughness in difficult conditions.
Reach for it when praising unusual nerve or endurance in an elevated register
The crew's hardihood carried the small vessel through days of freezing spray.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when facing fear or danger is the plain point
Careful Courage does not necessarily include the physical toughness associated with hardihood.
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warm
Fits when readiness to take a meaningful risk deserves attention
Careful Daring may be impulsive and does not guarantee endurance.
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professional
Fits when resistance to harsh conditions matters most
Careful Hardiness can describe plants, materials, or health without any conscious bravery.
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formal
Fits when steadfast endurance under prolonged hardship is central
Careful Fortitude can be quiet and inward, while hardihood often suggests bold outward action.
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formal
intrepidity
Fits when fearless action suits historical or ceremonial prose
Careful The rare term overstates ordinary persistence and can sound theatrical.
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literary
Fits when character proves itself when tested
Careful Mettle is revealed by a challenge but need not include sustained physical stamina.
Opposites 3
- timidity
- cowardice
- frailty
Common phrases 3
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physical hardihood
Years at sea developed physical hardihood without making the sailors reckless.
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show hardihood
The rescue party showed hardihood during the exposed climb.
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remarkable hardihood
Her remarkable hardihood surprised companions half her age.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Hardihood is rare and can also carry a negative sense of audacity; context should make courageous endurance clear.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Flame, not lame, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated