ENGLISH
REFERENCE

guts

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡəts// UK //ɡˈʌts// guts Informal

n. the bravery and determination you need to do something difficult or scary. It can also mean the internal organs inside a person or animal.

n. the internal organs of an animal or human; figuratively, the courage or fortitude required to face a challenging situation. Plural in form and typically plural in agreement.


SIMPLE

It takes a lot of guts to quit your job.

CONTEXTUAL

The young entrepreneur had the guts to pitch her idea to a room full of skeptical investors.

COMPLEX

While the physical guts are essential for biological survival, the metaphorical guts are what define a leader's ability to make unpopular decisions under extreme pressure.

Synonyms
Usage

Plural in form; when referring to courage, it is almost exclusively used in the plural.

Idioms5 entries

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