gutsy
gb/ɡˈʌtsˈi/ us/ɡˈʌtsˈi/
B2
English
bátor, merész, kemény, harcos
B2
INFORMAL
1
bátor
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is gutsy; gutsy [person/act]
It was gutsy of her to speak up in that meeting.
Bátor volt tőle, hogy felszólalt azon a megbeszélésen.
He made a gutsy climb in bad weather to reach the summit.
A rossz időben is bátran mászott fel a csúcsra.
That was a gutsy thing to do with everyone watching.
Learner examples
She is gutsy and confident.
Bátor és magabiztos.
That was a gutsy choice.
Ez bátor döntés volt.
Common mistake:
Often confused with the noun guts (“courage”); gutsy is an adjective.
Meaning
brave in a difficult situation
Collocations
gutsy move
|gutsy decision
|gutsy performance
|gutsy effort
|gutsy player
|gutsy leader
|a gutsy choice
|a gutsy attempt
|a gutsy comeback
|pretty gutsy
Synonyms
brave (more general and neutral in tone)
|
courageous (more formal than gutsy)
|
plucky (often suggests bravery despite being smaller or weaker)
Antonyms
cowardly (lacking courage in the face of fear)
|
timid (shy or easily frightened; not bold)
Themes
emotions
|personality
|challenges
Definition
Brave, especially when something is hard or scary.
Showing courage and determination when something is difficult, dangerous, or scary.
B2
INFORMAL
2
merész
B1
Usage pattern:
a gutsy [plan/strategy/bid]
Launching the product early was a gutsy move, but it paid off.
A termék korai bevezetése merész húzás volt, de bejött.
The team tried a gutsy strategy in the final minutes.
A csapat az utolsó percekben egy merész stratégiával próbálkozott.
It’s a gutsy bet to quit without another job lined up.
Learner examples
It was a gutsy move.
Merész húzás volt.
They made a gutsy plan.
Merész tervet készítettek.
Common mistake:
Gutsy usually approves of the risk; for neutral risk-taking, bold or risky may fit better.
Meaning
bold and willing to take risks
Collocations
gutsy strategy
|gutsy plan
|gutsy bid
|gutsy gamble
|a gutsy investment
|a gutsy tactic
|gutsy innovation
|a gutsy bet
Synonyms
bold (can be positive or neutral; less tied to courage)
|
daring (often suggests excitement and higher risk)
|
audacious (stronger and sometimes suggests shock or disapproval)
Antonyms
cautious (careful to avoid risk)
|
risk-averse (actively avoiding risk, especially in business)
Themes
business
|sports
|decision_making
Definition
Brave in a way that takes risks to succeed.
Bold in a way that involves taking risks, especially to achieve a goal.
C1
INFORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
a gutsy [fight/comeback/effort]
She gave a gutsy performance despite the injury.
Sérülten is kemény teljesítményt nyújtott.
It was a gutsy comeback after a terrible first half.
A borzalmas első félidő után ez kemény visszakapaszkodás volt.
His gutsy defense kept them in the game.
Learner examples
They made a gutsy comeback.
Keményen visszakapaszkodtak.
Meaning
tough, gritty, and determined
Collocations
gutsy fight
|gutsy comeback
|gutsy win
|gutsy defense
|gutsy recovery
|gutsy stand
|a gutsy effort
Synonyms
tough (more general; can refer to strength, not just determination)
|
tenacious (focuses on not letting go of a goal)
|
gritty (emphasizes hard, unglamorous persistence)
Antonyms
weak (lacking strength or resolve in a challenge)
|
easily discouraged (giving up quickly when facing setbacks)
Themes
sports
|health
|challenges
Definition
Not giving up, even when it is very hard.
Strong-minded and tough in a way that keeps going despite pain, criticism, or setbacks.
Grammar
Dictionary form
gutsy
IPA
GB/ɡˈʌtsˈi/
US/ɡˈʌtsˈi/
Syllables & stress
gutsy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (gutsy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: gutsy
- Comparative: gutsier
- Superlative: gutsiest
Word family
Forms
gutsier
adjective
gutsiest
adjective
Core family
guts
noun
Related words
gut
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
gutless
adjective
Advanced or less common
gutsiness
noun
gutsily
adverb
Expressions
a gutsy call
1/ə ɡˈʌtsˈi kˈɔl/
fixed phrase
informal
a brave judgment or choice
A brave decision that could be criticized.
Examples
- The coach made a gutsy call to pull the goalie early.
- It was a gutsy call to publish the story without official confirmation.
- She made a gutsy call and cut the project before it got more expensive.
Learner examples
- He made a gutsy call.
a gutsy decision
1/ə ɡˈʌtsˈi dɪsˈɪʒən/
fixed phrase
informal
a brave, risky choice
A brave choice, even though it is risky.
Examples
- It was a gutsy decision to apologize publicly.
- Leaving the company was a gutsy decision, but she wanted a new start.
- Choosing the smaller supplier was a gutsy decision that improved quality.
Learner examples
- That was a gutsy decision.
a gutsy move
1/ə ɡˈʌtsˈi mˈuv/
fixed phrase
informal
a brave, risky action
A brave action that takes a risk.
Examples
- It was a gutsy move to challenge the ruling in front of the whole crowd.
- Hiring an unknown director was a gutsy move, but the film became a hit.
- Going for it on fourth down was a gutsy move.
Learner examples
- It was a gutsy move.
a gutsy performance
1/ə ɡˈʌtsˈi pɚfˈɔɹməns/
fixed phrase
informal
a tough, brave performance
Doing very well in a brave, determined way.
Examples
- She gave a gutsy performance even though she was sick.
- It was a gutsy performance under huge pressure from the crowd.
- They praised his gutsy performance in the final.
Learner examples
- She gave a gutsy performance.