Keep Your Mitts Off My …
Mettle…Metal…Meddle…Medal? This is where poor pronunciation gets us … pure confusion. These four words are so often mispronounced (well, okay, pronounced sloppily) that their misuse in writing is almost as certain as death and taxes. So here’s the easy way to remember how to use them:
Metal (/meh-tuhl /) is a noun meaning a substance that is an electropositive element having a shiny surface and electrical and thermal conductivity, and which can be melted, fused, hammered into thin sheets, or drawn into wires. The common metals include: gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead, zinc, nickel, etc., and alloys such as brass, bronze, and steel.
Mettle (/ meh-tl /) is a noun meaning courage, fortitude, or strength of character.
Meddle (/ meh-dl /) is a verb meaning to interfere in the business of others without invitation.
Medal (/ meh-duhl /) is a noun indicating a piece of metal stamped or engraved with a design and used as commemorations or awards.
An example of correct usage:
This gold medal, made of the most precious metal, is awarded to one who has shown great mettle in this time of war. He did not meddle in areas beyond his expertise or ability, but instead applied his efforts to those areas in which he excelled; when captured, he did not reveal our secrets to the enemy, even when tortured. His splendid example of courage and fortitude has ensured our victory.
One place where confusion will remain is in talking about testing. You test the mettle of a person to see whether they will break under pressure or stand firm. You test the metal of a bumper, a sword, or a fence to ensure that it has no weak points.
3 Comments
Mummy,
Do you make up your examples or do you get them somewhere else? I’ve always liked your examples.
Sloppy pronuciation is the root of bad spelling. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get elementary level teachers elocution lessons so the children could hear the difference in pronunciation? I’m convinced everyone’s spelling would be better if they could hear the difference between “pin” and “pen.” Or the difference between “Kathryn” and “Catherine.” Or “merry,” “marry” and “Mary.”
Thank you, Jemmie. I make up 99 percent of my examples. Which is why sometimes they are really off the wall. It’s just about how I’m feeling at the time. I’m glad you like them.