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.
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.