Word: Stalwart

stalwart \STAWL-wert\ adjective
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: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit

Example sentence:
Although they were poorly equipped, the people of Greenville proved to be stalwart souls, and they worked through the night to save the dam and prevent a terrible flood.

Did you know?

Sometime in the 15th century, English speakers began to use "stalwart" in place of the older form "stalworth." Although "stalworth" is now archaic, it laid the groundwork for today's meaning of "stalwart." In the 12th century, "stalworth" began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a meaning "stalwart" took on about two centuries later). It also came to be used as an adjective for persons who showed bravery or courage (likewise, a meaning passed on to "stalwart"). So, in a way, "stalwart" has been serviceable in keeping the spirit of "stalworth" alive. This character of "stalwart" is true to its roots. "Stalworth" came from the Old English word "stælwierthe" (meaning "serviceable"), which, in turn, is thought to come from terms meaning "foundation" and "worth."

My sentence:
President Bush and his advisors are stalwart in their assertion that the invasion of Iraq was justified.

Comments

[thebizofknowledge]

I stumbled across your blog while I was doing some online research. As an educator and writer, I so enjoyed this post. This is a great word, very underused, but so powerful and evocative.