Word
gutsy
Phoneticsgut·sy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡətˈsi/
UK/ɡˈʌtsi/
Informal
Definition
adj. showing a lot of courage or confidence. You use this to describe someone who does something brave or a decision that is bold and risky.
adj. characterised by a high degree of courage, confidence, or boldness.
Examples
“It was a gutsy move to quit her job and start a business.”
“The pilot made a gutsy decision to land in the storm, relying on his experience rather than the failing instruments.”
“While the strategy was criticized for its high risk, the gutsy approach ultimately secured the company's market share and proved the board's faith in the CEO.”
Examples
simple
“It was a gutsy move to quit her job and start a business.”
contextual
“The pilot made a gutsy decision to land in the storm, relying on his experience rather than the failing instruments.”
complex
“While the strategy was criticized for its high risk, the gutsy approach ultimately secured the company's market share and proved the board's faith in the CEO.”
Etymology
From guts + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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