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Craven Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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craven

[หˆkreษช.vษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

character trait

Craven refers to someone who exhibits extreme cowardice or a lack of courage. It describes a person who is willing to avoid danger at all costs, often to the point of being morally weak. A craven individual may shrink from confrontation or difficult situations, showing a profound inability to face fear or adversity. The term can be used in both a literal and a figurative sense, often associated with someone who fails to stand up for what is right due to fear.

Synonyms

cowardly, fearful, pusillanimous, spineless, timid.

Examples of usage

  • His craven refusal to confront his problems only worsened the situation.
  • The craven soldier fled the battlefield, leaving his comrades behind.
  • Her craven behavior during the crisis disappointed her friends.
  • They considered his craven actions a betrayal of their trust.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Henry IV', the term is used to critique those who lack bravery in battle, highlighting the nobility of courage.
  • Edgar Allan Poe occasionally used variations of the term to describe characters consumed by fear and anxiety in his dark and gothic tales.
  • The character Craven from the famous graphic novel 'The Crow' exemplifies the complexity of fear and its effects on the human psyche.

Psychology

  • Fear is a natural response to perceived threats, but being craven means allowing that fear to prevent action, which can lead to regret.
  • Understanding this emotional state can help in overcoming obstacles and building resilience, as confronting fears is essential for personal growth.
  • The craven mentality can result in anxiety disorders, where fear overrides rational thought, hindering normal life activities.

Pop Culture

  • In various films, particularly horror genres, craven characters often serve as comic relief or contrast against braver protagonists.
  • The character of the cowardly lion in 'The Wizard of Oz' is an iconic representation of someone who seeks courage but initially feels craven.
  • Music lyrics often reference craven moments to describe vulnerability, connecting the feeling of fear to relatable human experiences.

Origin of 'craven'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'craven' comes from Middle English 'cravene', meaning 'to creep or crawl', suggesting an image of someone retreating in fear.
  • It is derived from the Old French word 'cravan', which was related to the Latin 'crepare', meaning 'to break' or 'to cry out', often associated with fear.
  • Historically, the word has been used in literature to describe cowards, especially in tales of chivalry and bravery.

The word 'craven' originates from the Middle English term 'cravene', which derives from the Old French 'cravain', a variant of 'crevain', meaning defeated or vanquished. The roots can be traced back even further to the Vulgar Latin 'crepฤre', meaning to break. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the notion of cowardice, particularly in the face of danger or confrontation. Its usage has been documented in English literature since the 14th century, often pejoratively to describe individuals displaying a lack of bravery. The negative connotation of 'craven' has remained consistent throughout its history, solidifying its place in the English language as a term for those who act in fear rather than courage. As society has developed, so has the application of 'craven', extending beyond physical cowardice to encompass moral failures and the inability to act in one's convictions because of fear.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,471, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.