Pusillanimous: meaning, definitions and examples
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pusillanimous
[ pjuหsษชหlรฆnษชmษs ]
character trait
Pusillanimous describes someone who shows a lack of courage or determination; it is often associated with timidity and cowardice. This term is typically used to criticize someone for being overly fearful or hesitant in situations that require bravery.
Synonyms
cowardly, craven, fearful, spineless, timid
Examples of usage
- He took a pusillanimous approach to the confrontation.
- Her pusillanimous nature prevented her from standing up for herself.
- In times of crisis, pusillanimous leaders often fail their followers.
Translations
Translations of the word "pusillanimous" in other languages:
๐ต๐น pusilรขnime
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคฎเคเคผเฅเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช feige
๐ฎ๐ฉ pengecut
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะพัะทะปะธะฒะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ tchรณrzliwy
๐ฏ๐ต ่็ ใช
๐ซ๐ท timide
๐ช๐ธ cobarde
๐น๐ท korkak
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ฌํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฌุจุงู
๐จ๐ฟ zbabฤlรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ zbabฤlรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๆฆๅผฑ็
๐ธ๐ฎ bojeฤe
๐ฎ๐ธ huglaust
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพัาะฐา
๐ฌ๐ช แซแฃแแซแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qorxaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ cobarde
Etymology
The word 'pusillanimous' originates from the Latin word 'pusillanimis', which means 'small-minded' or 'timid'. This Latin term is a combination of 'pusillus', meaning 'very small' or 'weak', and 'anima', meaning 'soul' or 'spirit'. The word was first used in English in the early 17th century, and its connotation has remained relatively stable, consistently referring to a lack of bravery or courage. Over time, 'pusillanimous' has been used in various literary and rhetorical contexts to question the bravery or resolve of individuals or groups. Although it is less commonly used in everyday conversation, it still appears in formal contexts, emphasizing a personโs character flaw of being cowardly or excessively timid.