Metal vs. Mettle — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Metal refers to a hard, typically shiny substance that conducts heat and electricity, whereas mettle denotes a person's ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way.
Difference Between Metal and Mettle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Metal is a category of elements known for their physical properties such as conductivity, malleability, and metallic luster, often used in construction and manufacturing. Mettle, on the other hand, is an intangible quality related to one's temperament or courage, especially in the face of adversity.
Metals are typically solid at room temperature (except mercury) and are extracted from ores found in the Earth's crust. Mettle, whereas, is not a physical substance but a character trait that becomes apparent during challenging times.
The term "metal" can be applied to pure elements like iron, gold, or silver, or to alloys such as steel or bronze, which have specific industrial and commercial uses. Mettle, on the other hand, is showcased through personal achievements and resilience, often cited in narrative contexts.
In science, metals are studied for their chemical properties, such as reactivity and electron configuration. Mettle, whereas, is discussed in psychological or philosophical discussions about human behavior and mental strength.
While metals can be physically tested for properties like hardness, ductility, or tensile strength, mettle is tested through situations requiring perseverance, such as rigorous competitions or difficult personal circumstances.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A substance that conducts heat and electricity, is typically hard and shiny.
A person's ability to cope well with difficulties or face a demanding situation spiritedly.
Physical State
Solid at room temperature (except mercury).
Not applicable, as it is a figurative term.
Usage Context
Used in industries like construction, manufacturing, and electronics.
Used to describe character, often in narratives or assessments of resilience.
Testability
Physical properties can be tested using scientific methods.
Assessed through personal challenges and psychological resilience.
Origin
Derived from Old English 'metel', which related to various substances.
Derived from 'metal', used metaphorically to describe one's character since the early 17th century.
Compare with Definitions
Metal
Slang for mettle, used to describe bravery or spirit.
The firefighter showed his true metal in the face of danger.
Mettle
The ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way.
She proved her mettle during the marathon, finishing despite her injury.
Metal
A hard, typically shiny material that is malleable under heat or pressure.
Aluminum is a light metal used extensively in aircraft manufacturing.
Mettle
Used to describe someone's temperament when tested in difficult circumstances.
The team showed their true mettle in the final minutes of the game.
Metal
A material made up of two or more metals mixed together.
Bronze, a metal alloy of copper and tin, was first used thousands of years ago.
Mettle
The resilience or strength of spirit.
Her mettle inspired others to stay hopeful during the crisis.
Metal
Any of the elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Copper is a metal that conducts electricity extremely well, making it ideal for wiring.
Mettle
The courage and fortitude to continue.
His mettle was tested when he lost his job but had to support his family.
Metal
Referring to rock or heavy metal music.
She enjoys listening to metal because of its intense energy and powerful guitar riffs.
Mettle
A person's ability to cope well with difficulties; spirit and resilience
The team showed their true mettle in the second half
Metal
A metal (from Greek μέταλλον métallon, "mine, quarry, metal") is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typically malleable (they can be hammered into thin sheets) or ductile (can be drawn into wires).
Mettle
The ability to meet a challenge or persevere under demanding circumstances; determination or resolve
A race that tested the best runners' mettle.
Metal
A solid material which is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity (e.g. iron, gold, silver, and aluminium, and alloys such as steel)
Being a metal, aluminium readily conducts heat
An adjustable pole made of metal
Mettle
A quality of endurance and courage.
Metal
Broken stone for use in making roads
The work also involves dealing with rock aggregates for potential use as suitable road metal
Mettle
Good temperament and character.
Metal
Molten glass before it is blown or cast.
Mettle
(obsolete) Metal; a metallic substance.
Metal
Heavy metal or similar rock music
Crunching power-trio metal
Industrial music is also a blend of metal and techno
Mettle
(Scotland) Spirited, vigorous, stout-hearted.
Metal
Made from or coated with metal
A range of metalled key rings
Mettle
Substance or quality of temperament; spirit, esp. as regards honor, courage, fortitude, ardor, etc.; disposition; - usually in a good sense; as, to test a person's mettle.
A certain critical hour which shall . . . try what mettle his heart is made of.
Gentlemen of brave mettle.
The winged courser, like a generous horse,Shows most true mettle when you check his course.
Metal
Make or mend (a road) with road metal
The road was metalled and tolls charged for the upkeep
Follow the metalled road for about 200 yards
Mettle
The courage to carry on;
He kept fighting on pure spunk
You haven't got the heart for baseball
Metal
Any of a category of electropositive elements that usually have a shiny surface, are generally good conductors of heat and electricity, and can be melted or fused, hammered into thin sheets, or drawn into wires. Typical metals form salts with nonmetals, basic oxides with oxygen, and alloys with one another.
Metal
An alloy of two or more metallic elements.
Metal
An object made of metal.
Metal
Basic character; mettle.
Metal
Broken stones used for road surfaces or railroad beds.
Metal
Molten glass, especially when used in glassmaking.
Metal
Molten cast iron.
Metal
(Printing) Type made of metal.
Metal
(Music) Heavy metal.
Metal
To cover or surface (a roadbed, for example) with broken stones.
Metal
(heading) Chemical elements or alloys, and the mines where their ores come from.
Metal
Any of a number of chemical elements in the periodic table that form a metallic bond with other metal atoms; generally shiny, somewhat malleable and hard, often a conductor of heat and electricity.
Metal
Any material with similar physical properties, such as an alloy.
Metal
(astronomy) An element which was not directly created after the Big Bang but instead formed through nuclear reactions; any element other than hydrogen and helium.
Metal
Crushed rock, stones etc. used to make a road.
Metal
(mining) The ore from which a metal is derived.
Metal
(obsolete) A mine from which ores are taken.
Metal
(tincture) A light tincture used in a coat of arms, specifically argent (white or silver) and or (gold).
Metal
Molten glass that is to be blown or moulded to form objects.
Metal
(music) A category of rock music encompassing a number of genres (including thrash metal, death metal, heavy metal, etc.) characterized by strong drum-beats and distorted guitars.
Metal
The substance that constitutes something or someone; matter; hence, character or temper.
Metal
The effective power or calibre of guns carried by a vessel of war.
Metal
The rails of a railway.
Metal
The actual airline operating a flight, rather than any of the codeshare operators.
We have American Airlines tickets, but it's on British Airways metal.
Metal
(music) Characterized by strong drum-beats and distorted guitars.
Metal
Having the emotional or social characteristics associated with metal music; brash, bold, frank, unyielding, etc.
Metal
To make a road using crushed rock, stones etc.
Metal
An elementary substance, as sodium, calcium, or copper, whose oxide or hydroxide has basic rather than acid properties, as contrasted with the nonmetals, or metalloids. No sharp line can be drawn between the metals and nonmetals, and certain elements partake of both acid and basic qualities, as chromium, manganese, bismuth, etc.
Metal
Ore from which a metal is derived; - so called by miners.
Metal
A mine from which ores are taken.
Slaves . . . and persons condemned to metals.
Metal
The substance of which anything is made; material; hence, constitutional disposition; character; temper.
Not till God make men of some other metal than earth.
Metal
Courage; spirit; mettle. See Mettle.
Metal
The broken stone used in macadamizing roads and ballasting railroads.
Metal
The effective power or caliber of guns carried by a vessel of war.
Metal
Glass in a state of fusion.
Metal
The rails of a railroad.
Metal
To cover with metal; as, to metal a ship's bottom; to metal a road.
Metal
Any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.
Metal
A mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten;
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper
Metal
Cover with metal
Metal
Containing or made of or resembling or characteristic of a metal;
A metallic compound
Metallic luster
The strange metallic note of the meadow lark, suggesting the clash of vibrant blades
Common Curiosities
Is mettle always a positive trait?
Yes, mettle is typically viewed as a positive trait, indicating a person's strength of spirit and ability to face tough situations.
How do you determine someone's mettle?
Someone's mettle is often determined by their response to adversity or challenge, showing how they manage stress or hardship.
What is the main difference between metal and mettle?
Metal refers to a physical, tangible substance, while mettle is an intangible quality related to courage and resilience.
Where does the term "mettle" come from?
"Mettle" originally comes from the word "metal," used metaphorically to describe character traits since the 17th century.
What role do metals play in technology?
Metals play critical roles in technology, especially in electronics and machinery, due to their conductive properties.
Can the word "metal" ever be used figuratively?
Yes, "metal" can be used figuratively to mean the same as "mettle," indicating resilience or toughness.
Is there a way to measure mettle like metals?
Unlike metals, mettle cannot be measured scientifically; it's assessed based on individual actions and responses to situations.
How does one demonstrate mettle?
One demonstrates mettle through actions in tough situations, showing courage and the ability to persevere.
What metaphors are commonly used with mettle?
Common metaphors include "tested one's mettle" or "showed true mettle," often used to describe showing courage under pressure.
Why are metals important in everyday life?
Metals are crucial due to their physical properties which make them essential for building, manufacturing, and various other applications.
What types of metals are there?
There are base metals like iron and copper, precious metals like gold and silver, and alloy metals like steel and bronze.
Are all metals shiny?
Most metals are shiny, but the luster can vary depending on the type of metal and its finish.
Can mettle be developed or is it inherent?
Mettle can be developed over time through experiences and challenges that build resilience and character.
What are common alloys and their uses?
Common alloys include steel (used in construction and tools) and bronze (used in medals and statues).
Do all cultures value mettle the same way?
While many cultures value the qualities associated with mettle, the expression and appreciation of these qualities can vary culturally.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
