pluck
The verb carries a tactile sense of sudden, sharp movement. Whether removing a feather or picking a flower, the action is characterized by a quick tug. When applied to music, it describes the specific physical interaction between a finger and a string to create a percussive note.
As a noun, the word shifts from physical action to a psychological trait. It describes a gritty, spirited kind of bravery. Unlike "courage," which can be solemn or stoic, "pluck" suggests a plucky, energetic, and perhaps underdog-like determination.
Meanings
To quickly remove something from a place, such as a feather from a bird or a hair from skin, by pulling it.
She plucked a stray hair from her chin.
To pull a flower, leaf, or fruit from its stem or branch.
The children plucked daisies from the meadow.
To produce a sound from a musical instrument by pulling and releasing a string with the fingers.
He plucked the strings of the harp with great care.
To pull someone or something suddenly and sharply from a position, often to rescue them.
The rescue team plucked the sailor from the freezing waters.
Courage and spirited determination in the face of difficulty.
The young athlete showed great pluck despite the injury.
Examples
Phrasal Verbs
pluck up
to summon or gather one's courage to do something
She finally plucked up the courage to ask for a raise.
pluck out
to remove something by pulling it, or to select a specific item from a group
He plucked out a few key phrases from the long report.