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fettle

noun

/ˈfɛt l/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of fettle

A person's physical or mental condition, state of health, or overall well-being.
"The team's star player was back in fine fettle after a brief injury."

Detailed meaning of fettle

It can also pertain to the state or condition of an object or thing, particularly when discussing its soundness, quality, or readiness for use. For example, someone might say, "I'm in fine fettle today," indicating that they are in good health and spirits. In the context of an object, a mechanic might assess the fettle of a machine, meaning its working condition or whether it requires maintenance or repair. While somewhat less commonly used in modern language, "fettle" is a word that conveys the idea of assessing and describing the state or condition of something or someone.

Example sentences containing fettle

1. Her impressive physical fettle was evident in the triathlon.
2. Stress and overwork took a toll on his overall fettle.
3. The marathon runner's exceptional fettle astonished everyone.
4. A balanced diet contributes significantly to one's fettle.
5. Yoga and meditation helped improve her mental fettle.
6. The team's collective fettle determined their success.

History and etymology of fettle

The noun 'fettle' has an interesting and somewhat diverse etymology. It has origins in both Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, it appeared as 'fetel,' meaning 'belt' or 'girdle.' In Old Norse, it was 'fetill,' with a similar meaning of 'belt' or 'strap.' Over time, the term 'fettle' came to be associated with the state of being secure, well-prepared, or in good order, akin to how a securely fastened belt keeps things in place. In modern usage, 'fettle' has evolved to describe a person's physical or mental condition, state of health, or overall well-being. Its etymology encompasses the idea of being in a state of readiness or good order, highlighting the importance of being in good physical or mental shape to tackle various challenges and tasks.

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Further usage examples of fettle

1. Long hours of training maintained his top-notch fettle.
2. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining good fettle.
3. His physical fettle allowed him to endure the hike.
4. The doctor assessed her fettle before the surgery.
5. In a demanding job, mental fettle is paramount.
6. The athlete's dedication reflected in his peak fettle.
7. Poor nutrition can deteriorate one's overall fettle.
8. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining fettle.
9. The hiker's remarkable fettle was evident on the trail.
10. They celebrated her return to full fettle after illness.
11. A positive attitude can bolster mental fettle.
12. Age can affect one's physical and mental fettle.
13. She worked diligently to regain her former fettle.
14. High-stress levels can erode your overall fettle.
15. After a long vacation, she returned to work in fine fettle and ready to tackle any task.
16. The company's financials were in fine fettle, thanks to the successful quarter.
17. Despite his advanced age, he remained in fine fettle and continued to pursue his hobbies.
18. The car ran smoothly and was in fine fettle, requiring only routine maintenance.
19. Her mental health was in fine fettle after she started practicing mindfulness and meditation.
20. The young athlete was in fine fettle and set a new personal best in the competition.
21. The garden was in fine fettle, with the plants growing tall and healthy.
22. The new CEO arrived and put the company back in fine fettle after a period of decline.
23. The horse was in fine fettle, and the jockey was confident they would win the race.
24. The artist's creativity was in fine fettle, and she produced several stunning pieces of work.
25. The school's library was in fine fettle, with a wide range of books and resources available to students.