inner strength

English

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Noun

inner strength (usually uncountable, plural inner strengths)

1. (idiomatic) Integrity of character; resoluteness of will; mental resistance to doubt or discouragement.

   Synonyms: determination, fortitude, resolve

   • 1871 July – 1873 February, Anthony Trollope, “Mr. Dove in His Chambers”, in The Eustace Diamonds. A Novel, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], published 1872, →OCLC, page 126, column 2:

     In any trouble, such as was this about the necklace, there would come over his face a look of weakness which betrayed the want of real inner strength.

   • 1919 October, John Galsworthy, chapter I, in Saint’s Progress, London: William Heinemann, published December 1919, →OCLC, part III, 1 §, page 217:

     To do as your aunt and uncle in their kindness wish, would, I am sore afraid, end in depriving you of the inner strength and happiness which God only gives to those who do their duty and try courageously to repair their errors.

   • 2008 August 28, Michael Kinsley, “Everybody Knows the Trouble I've Seen”, in Time:

     First, it says the candidate has the inner strength or the wisdom or whatever it takes to address the unpredictable challenges he or she will face if elected.

See also

• set of one's jaw

Further reading

• “inner strength”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.