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Cowardly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cowardly

[หˆkaสŠษ™rdli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Lacking courage; characterized by fear or timidity.

Synonyms

fearful, spineless, timid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cowardly

Describing someone's behavior as lacking courage in a morally judgmental way.

  • His cowardly actions during the attack were criticized by everyone.
  • The soldier was accused of being cowardly for not facing the enemy.
fearful

Describing someone who feels a lot of fear or anxiety, often in a general sense.

  • She was fearful of the dark and never went out at night.
  • The dog was fearful around strangers.
timid

Describing someone as shy and lacking in self-confidence, often in social situations.

  • The timid child hid behind his mother when strangers came to visit.
  • Her voice was timid when she spoke in front of the class.
spineless

Criticizing someone for lacking the ability to stand up for themselves or others, with a connotation of weakness.

  • He was too spineless to confront his boss about the unfair treatment.
  • The politician was called spineless for avoiding the important vote.

Examples of usage

  • He was too cowardly to confront his bullies.
  • She made a cowardly decision to run away from the danger.
Context #2 | Adverb

action

In a manner showing a lack of courage or determination.

Synonyms

fearfully, timidly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cowardly

Describes someone who lacks courage and avoids danger, often used negatively.

  • He made a cowardly decision to abandon his team during the crisis
fearfully

Indicates a strong feeling of fear, often involves physical or emotional trembling.

  • She looked fearfully over her shoulder, afraid of being followed
timidly

Describes a shy or hesitant behavior, often without strong negative connotations.

  • The child raised his hand timidly, unsure if he was allowed to speak

Examples of usage

  • He retreated cowardly from the battlefield.
  • She spoke cowardly, avoiding the truth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters labeled as cowardly often serve as contrasts to heroes, highlighting courage and valor.
  • Famous works include 'The Wizard of Oz', where the Cowardly Lion seeks courage although heโ€™s already brave in his own way.
  • Classical tragedies often explore cowardice as a theme, such as in Shakespeare's plays where moral dilemmas lead characters to act out of fear.

Psychology

  • Fearfulness can stem from past experiences, where a person may feel intense anxiety about certain situations.
  • Studies show that social anxiety can lead to cowardly actions, as individuals avoid scenarios where they feel judged.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often employed to help individuals confront their fears and reduce cowardice in decision-making.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and TV shows depict characters who start as cowardly but grow into courageous figures, showcasing character development.
  • The term is frequently used in video games where characters can have different courage levels affecting their story paths and outcomes.
  • Cowardly humor is a common trope in cartoons, where characters misjudge threats and hilariously run away, appealing to comic relief.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures often have varying interpretations of cowardice; while some see it negatively, others understand it as a survival instinct.
  • In some traditional stories, characters may display cowardly behavior yet later redeem themselves through acts of bravery.
  • Courage and cowardice are often discussed in various philosophies, emphasizing the balance of fear and moral integrity in human behavior.

Origin of 'cowardly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle French 'couard', meaning 'tail' or 'to be frightened', illustrating the idea of 'tail between the legs'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'cauda', meaning tail, which emphasizes the notion of retreating or running away.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, once describing more general fears before being focused on moral or bravery-related fears.

The word 'cowardly' originated from Middle English in the late 14th century. It is derived from the Old French word 'couard', meaning 'coward'. The term has been used throughout history to describe individuals who lack courage or bravery in the face of danger or adversity.

See also: cowardice.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,368, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.