“Metal” or “Mettle”—Which to use?

“Metal” or “Mettle”

Overview

metal / mettle are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

metal: (verb) cover with metal.

mettle: NA

Pronunciation

metal: m·EH·t·ah·l

mettle: m·EH·t·ah·l

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Examples in Context

Examples of “metal”

…slightly rounded head made of metal which is used to fasten… Copy
…by one or more spun metal cones resonators instead of the… Copy
…a slug, from molten type metal in a process known as… Copy
…conceived the idea of assembling metallic letter molds, called matrices, and… Copy
…of thin material, such as metal pipe or, in more current… Copy
…consists of collections of small metal beams with regular holes for… Copy
The metal plate is decorated with a… Copy
…the shirt collar by a metal clip. Copy
…tractor, equipped with a substantial metal plate or blade, used to… Copy
…consists of a hollow cylindrical metal tube, typically brass, with the… Copy

Examples of “mettle”

His mettle was tested at around midnight… Copy
…mental models will prove their mettle in the earthly settings of… Copy
Aparna Gopinath proves her mettle as an actress with the… Copy
And once he proved his mettle in battle, he'd no doubt… Copy

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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