Cowardliest: meaning, definitions and examples
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cowardliest
[ ˈkaʊərdliest ]
degree of cowardice
Cowardliest is a superlative form of the adjective 'cowardly,' describing someone who displays the most extreme level of cowardice. It is used to indicate that an individual is more afraid or timid than all others in a particular situation.
Synonyms
most cowardly, timidest, weakest.
Examples of usage
- He was the cowardliest soldier on the battlefield.
- In the face of danger, her cowardliest instincts took over.
- They called him the cowardliest because he never stood up for what was right.
Etymology
The term 'cowardly' is derived from the Middle English 'coward' (c. 1400), which referred to a person who was timid or fearful. This, in turn, has roots in the Old French 'couard' and is ultimately derived from the Latin 'cauda', meaning 'tail'. The imagery of a 'coward' is often associated with an animal tucking its tail between its legs when afraid. The superlative 'cowardliest' follows the standard formation in English where 'ly' is added to adjectives, turning them into adverbs or indicating a degree or comparison. Thus, 'cowardliest' specifically indicates the highest degree of cowardice, representing a relatable and often criticized human characteristic, especially in literature and moral discussions.