Pansy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A pansy is a small garden flower with velvety petals, often in bright colors like purple, yellow, or white. It is also a term sometimes used to describe someone perceived as weak or timid.
Definition:
A small garden plant with colorful flowers, or a derogatory term for a weak or effeminate man.
Synonyms:
violet, viola, weakling, coward
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
brave person, tough guy
Common Collocations:
pansy flowers, purple pansy, pansy garden
Derivatives:
pansies (plural), pansied (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "pansy" carefully; it can be offensive when referring to a person’s perceived weakness or lack of courage.
Common Phrases:
shrinking violet, no pansy in the fight, as delicate as a pansy
Etymology:
From French "pensée" (thought), named for the flower’s resemblance to a human face deep in thought.
Examples:
- 1. She planted bright yellow pansies in her garden.
- 2. The boys teased him and called him a pansy for avoiding the fight.
- 3. Pansies thrive in cool weather and bloom early in spring.
- 4. He dismissed the criticism, refusing to be labeled a pansy by his peers.