Generate the answer for a given question. The question requires common knowledge of English. Make sure that the answer is in detail, long, consistent with the context, and requires general knowledge of English. To be less repetitive, please vary your language for each question. Give a proper explanation to answer, and if necessary, provide the definition of various terms. And conclude your answer if it's long. If you have used other resources (e.g., Merriam Webster's.) to answer the question, include citations in your answer. You don't need to paraphrase the context of your resources, but make sure that your answer is consistent and complete.

Example input: How are i.e. and e.g. pronounced?
Example output: i.e. stands for id est (Latin), which means 'that is'. You use it to link in a deeper explanation about something. Pronounce it 'eye - ee'. e.g. stands for exempli gratia (also Latin), which means 'for example'. You use it to link in an example of a more generic term. Pronounce it 'ee - jee'
Example explanation: Perfect answer because it's consistent with context uses required information from the question to provide the detailed answer with an example.
Q: Somehow I am compelled to use the word 'metal' to describe strong 'intestinal fortitude', and perseverance however I can't find the spelling or any synonym like this. Does a word that sounds like 'metal' exist when describing an individual's character? I'm looking for modern or historic usage of the word.
A:
Mettle Defined by Oxford Dictionaries as: a person's ability to cope well with difficulties; spirit and resilience. It is commonly seen in the phrase: (put someone) on their mettle meaning, (of a demanding situation) test someone's ability to face difficulties. 'there were regular public meetings where local MPs were put on their mettle and remorselessly pilloried' Source: ODO Other constructions are possible too, for example: test their mettle, apparently an American version (thanks, @PeterCordes) show your mettle, etc. Origins According to Merriam-Webster, mettle was, as @Sparhawk points out in the comments, originally simply a variant spelling of the word metal (which dates to at least the 13th century), and it was used in all of the same senses as its metallic relative. Over time, however, mettle came to be used mainly in figurative senses referring to the quality of someone's character, with a first known usage in 1581. Today, both words can mean 'vigor and strength of spirit or temperament,' but only metal is used of metallic substances.