Grit entered American slang with the meaning "courage or persistence" in the early 19th century, and gritty followed suit with a corresponding "plucky" sense. By the 19th century's end, gritty was also …

gritty adjective (REAL) usually approving showing the unpleasant or difficult features of something as they really are:

GRITTY definition: consisting of, containing, or resembling grit; sandy. See examples of gritty used in a sentence.

1. Containing, covered with, or resembling grit. 2. Showing resolution and fortitude; plucky: a gritty decision.

Definition of gritty adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Someone who is gritty is brave and determined. We have to prove how gritty we are. ...a gritty determination to avoid humiliation.

Oct 8, 2025 · (film, literature) Intense and starkly realistic; depicting harsh reality, especially violence.

Grit is a tiny particle of sand or stone, and gritty means "covered in grit." A second meaning of gritty is "showing bravery and spirit." When you stick with something no matter how scary or difficult it is, …

Synonyms for GRITTY: unflinching, plucky, resolute, gutsy, fearless, courageous, brave, Spartan; Antonyms of GRITTY: scary, timid, anxious, nervous, careful, shy, cautious, diffident

GRITTY meaning: 1 : containing very small pieces of sand or stone containing grit; 2 : having or showing a lot of courage and determination