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Pusillanimous - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Pusillanimous means lacking courage or determination; timid or faint-hearted. It describes someone who is easily frightened or unwilling to face difficulty or danger.

pusillanimous

/ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/ /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/

Definition:

Lacking courage or determination, timid, faint-hearted.

Synonyms:

Cowardly, timid, fearful, spineless, weak-willed

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

Brave, courageous, bold

Common Collocations:

Pusillanimous behavior, pusillanimous attitude, pusillanimous decision

Derivatives:

Pusillanimously, pusillanimousness

Usage Tips:

Use "pusillanimous" to describe someone who avoids challenges due to fear or weakness.

Common Phrases:

Pusillanimous retreat, pusillanimous surrender, pusillanimous leader

Etymology:

From Latin *pusillus* (very small) + *animus* (spirit), meaning "having a tiny spirit."

Examples:

  • 1. His pusillanimous response disappointed everyone in the room.
  • 2. She refused to make a pusillanimous compromise under pressure.
  • 3. The general criticized the soldiers for their pusillanimous retreat.
  • 4. His pusillanimous attitude kept him from taking risks.

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