English Vocabulary — Choose the closest meaning (contextual synonym). Sentence (corrected): The soldier proved his mettle in the battlefield.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom “prove one’s mettle” is common in biographies, military reports, and sports journalism. “Mettle” refers to a person’s spirited resilience, bravery, and capacity to face difficulties. This question checks whether you can match the expression to the most accurate paraphrase.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Corrected sentence: “The soldier proved his mettle in the battlefield.”
• We need the best meaning for “mettle.”
• Options include related traits such as persistence, stamina/strength, courage/endurance, and heroism.

Concept / Approach:
“Mettle” combines bravery (courage) with staying power (endurance), especially under pressure. While “heroism” overlaps with courage, it often implies a singular, celebrated act. “Persistence” is narrow (continued effort). “Stamina and strength” emphasize physical attributes only. The choice that captures both bravery and staying power is “courage and endurance.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Rephrase: “The soldier demonstrated courage and endurance in the battlefield.” The sentence preserves the idiomatic meaning precisely. Dictionaries typically gloss “mettle” as courage, fortitude, and resilience.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• persistence: Too narrow; lacks the bravery component.
• stamina and strength: Physical capacity only; “mettle” is moral-psychological as well.
• heroism: Suggests notable heroic acts, but does not explicitly include endurance across time.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “mettle” is purely physical stamina. In English idiom, it is a test of character—courage plus endurance against adversity.

Final Answer:
courage and endurance