Caitiff: meaning, definitions and examples

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caitiff

 

[ ˈkeɪtɪf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

insulting term

A caitiff is a person who is considered cowardly or despicable. This term is often used in a literary or historical context to describe someone lacking in moral integrity. The word exudes a sense of contempt towards the target, emphasizing their untrustworthiness and ignoble character. It is rarely used in modern language, but it can convey a strong negative sentiment when employed in a sentence.

Synonyms

coward, despicable person, rascal, scoundrel

Examples of usage

  • The caitiff fled the battlefield, leaving his companions to fight alone.
  • She dismissed his threats as the empty words of a caitiff.
  • History judges caitiffs who betray their country.
  • In the novel, the villain is portrayed as a caitiff with no regard for others.

Translations

Translations of the word "caitiff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caitiff

🇮🇳 कायर

🇩🇪 Schurke

🇮🇩 pengecut

🇺🇦 негодяй

🇵🇱 nikczemnik

🇯🇵 卑怯者

🇫🇷 lâche

🇪🇸 cobarde

🇹🇷 korkak

🇰🇷 비겁한 자

🇸🇦 جبان

🇨🇿 zbabělec

🇸🇰 zbabranec

🇨🇳 懦夫

🇸🇮 kavč

🇮🇸 feigull

🇰🇿 қорқақ

🇬🇪 ბოროტი

🇦🇿 qarğa

🇲🇽 cobarde

Etymology

The word 'caitiff' originates from the Old French term 'katif', which means 'unfortunate' or 'wretched'. It was derived from the Latin word 'captivus', meaning 'captive' or 'taken'. In its evolution through the languages, 'caitiff' began to take on connotations of cowardice and ignobility, distancing itself from its original interpretation of mere misfortune. Historically, the term often appeared in medieval literature and later came to be associated with treachery and dishonor. By the time it was incorporated into English, it often described individuals regarded as shameful or contemptible. Today, its usage is rare, primarily found in archaic or poetic contexts, reflecting attitudes towards cowardice and moral failing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,226, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.