- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Word of the Day With Meaning: Expand your vocabulary with our Word of the Day series. In this series, we introduce a new word each day and explore its meaning, origin, and usage in the English language. You can also look up synonyms and their daily use in sentences to strengthen your vocabulary.
'Gumption' is a noun (uncountable) that describes courage, boldness, initiative, and the ability to take action with confidence and determination, especially in challenging situations. Let's take a deeper look at what this term means.
Origin of GUMPTION:
English speakers have had gumption (the word, that is) since the early 1700s. The term's source isn't known, but early examples are found in Scottish (the related terms rumblegumption and rumgumption are also found there). Gumption originally referred to common sense, but American English speakers adopted the word and took it in a new direction, using it to refer to the kind of courage or get-up-and-go that makes undertaking difficult things possible.
Synonyms & Antonyms for 'GUMPTION' :
Synonyms for gumption relate to either practical intelligence or personal drive. In the sense of shrewdness and smarts, words like acumen, sagacity, savvy, and common sense are good fits. When referring to initiative and courage, appropriate synonyms include moxie, grit, drive, enterprise, and backbone.
Synonyms: Relevance, prudence, wisdom, sense, Wit
Antonyms: indiscretion, imprudence, stupidity, idiocy, foolishness, shortsightedness, carelessness, senselessness
Daily Use Examples of Gumption:
Let's understand how this word is used in different contexts:
1. Ellen is Team Colum, and that endorsement gives him enough gumption to ask his brother to kindly yield.
2. Deep Vellum from Dallas, Texas, showed particular gumption.
3. It took a lot of gumption to speak up for yourself like that.
4. The company needs a new leader with the gumption and know-how that comes from experience
5. She had the gumption to quit her job and start her own business
Why Choose Gumption?
It's descriptive: It's a single word that captures a complex idea, blending intelligence with bravery and action.
It implies action: It emphasizes not just thinking but doing, making it perfect for someone who takes initiative.
It's positive: Gumption is seen as a strong, admirable trait, suggesting someone is resourceful and proactive.
It's versatile (but informal): While British English often means common sense, American usage leans towards daring and ambition, making it great for informal or inspirational contexts.
Gumption Meaning In Hindi & Other Indian Languages:
Hindi: Gumption (गम्पशन) का मतलब हिंदी में साहस (Courage), बुद्धिमानी (Wisdom), सहज बुद्धि (Common Sense), निर्णय लेने की क्षमता (Initiative), और संसाधनशीलता (Resourcefulness)
Bengali: Gumption means in Bengali to কাণ্ডজ্ঞান (kandoggyan), সাধারণ বুদ্ধি (sadharon buddhi), or কেজো বুদ্ধি (kejo buddhi)
Tamil: Gumption means செயல்துறை அறிவு (Seyal Thurai Arivu), அறிவுக்கூர்மை (Arivukkūrmai), ஊக்கவளம் (Ūkkavalam) (initiative, common sense, guts, drive, spirit) in Tamil
You can use it in essays, reports, articles, or professional emails to sound precise and smart.