Determination: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that personal investment in a situation increases motivation, leading individuals to exceed expectations by putting in extra effort

"People fight hardest for their own interests — a man is a lion in his own cause."

"He was timid in general but ferocious when defending his department — a man is a lion in his own cause."

used to suggest that someone who keeps moving and changing their situation will not accumulate problems or responsibilities, but also will not gain the benefits of stability or permanence

"Constant movement prevents accumulation — a rolling stone gathers no moss."

"He had moved jobs every two years and built nothing lasting — a rolling stone gathers no moss."

used to suggest that starting a task or project is the most difficult part and that taking the first step is critical to achieving success, as it sets the momentum for completion

"Starting is the most important part — a thing begun is half done."

"She pushed herself to write the first paragraph and the rest followed — a thing begun is half done."

used to suggest that if someone is truly determined to achieve a goal or reach a destination, they will not be easily dissuaded or discouraged

"A determined person cannot be stopped — he that will to Cupar maun to Cupar."

"Once she decided to move abroad, nothing could stop her — he that will to Cupar maun to Cupar."

used to suggest that if an opportunity does not naturally present itself, one should persistently work towards creating opportunities and overcoming obstacles to achieve success

"Create your own opportunities — if opportunity does not knock, build a door."

"She did not wait to be discovered — if opportunity does not knock, build a door."

used to suggest that if someone lacks motivation or is unwilling to put in the effort required to succeed, they are likely to find even the simplest tasks to be difficult or challenging

"Unwilling people find everything hard — nothing is easy to the unwilling."

"He resisted every task and struggled with all of them — nothing is easy to the unwilling."

used to suggest that if someone starts or initiates a particular action or process, it is expected that they will continue and complete the subsequent steps

"Once you start something, you must see it through — who says A must say B."

"Having made the initial commitment, she had to follow through — who says A must say B."

used to emphasize that if someone is determined and willing to work hard, they can achieve anything they set their mind to, regardless of the difficulty or complexity of the task

"Determination makes anything possible — nothing is impossible to a willing heart."

"She had no formal training but completed the project brilliantly — nothing is impossible to a willing heart."

used to imply that a determined individual will succeed despite the odds and difficulties

"A good person always bounces back — you cannot keep a good man down."

"She was passed over twice but came back stronger each time — you cannot keep a good man down."

used to imply that with determination and perseverance, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, no matter how difficult or daunting they may seem

"The sea refuses no river."

"With enough determination, the sea refuses no river; even the smallest stream can eventually reach the ocean."