gritting

From the verb grit: (⇒ conjugate)

gritting is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

grit /grɪt/   n., v., grit•ted, grit•ting. 
n. [uncountable]

1. hard, abrasive particles, as of sand, stone, or gravel.
2. firmness of character;
   pluck:
   showed grit in the face of danger.

Idioms

3. Idioms grit one's teeth, to show forbearance or determination by or as if by clamping or grinding the teeth together.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

grit  (grit), n., v., grit•ted, grit•ting. 
n. 

1. abrasive particles or granules, as of sand or other small, coarse impurities found in the air, food, water, etc.
2. firmness of character;
   indomitable spirit;
   pluck:
   She has a reputation for grit and common sense.
3. a coarse-grained siliceous rock, usually with sharp, angular grains.
4. British Terms gravel.
5. sand or other fine grainy particles eaten by fowl to aid in digestion.

v.t. 

6. to cause to grind or grate together.

v.i. 

7. to make a scratchy or slightly grating sound, as of sand being walked on;
   grate.
8. Idioms grit one's teeth, to show tenseness, anger, or determination by or as if by clamping or grinding the teeth together.

• bef. 1000; Middle English gret, griet, grit, Old English grēot; cognate with German Griess, Old Norse grjōt pebble, boulder; see grits

grit′less, adj. 
grit′ter, n. 
Synonyms

• 2. resolution, fortitude, courage.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

grit / ɡrɪt/ noun

1. small hard particles of sand, earth, stone, etc
2. Also called: gritstone any coarse sandstone that can be used as a grindstone or millstone
3. indomitable courage, toughness, or resolution

verb (grits, gritting, gritted)

1. to clench or grind together (two objects, esp the teeth)
2. to cover (a surface, such as icy roads) with grit

Etymology: Old English grēot; related to Old Norse grjōt pebble, Old High German grioz; see great, groats, gruel