Pusillanimous: meaning, definitions and examples

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pusillanimous

 

[ pjuหsษชหˆlรฆnษชmษ™s ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pusilรขnime

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคฎเคœเคผเฅ‹เคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช feige

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ pengecut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพัะทะปะธะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ tchรณrzliwy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‡†็—…ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท timide

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cobarde

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท korkak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์†Œ์‹ฌํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุจุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zbabฤ›lรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zbabฤ›lรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‡ฆๅผฑ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bojeฤe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ huglaust

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพั€า›ะฐา›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒซแƒฃแƒœแƒซแƒšแƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qorxaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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 personโ€™s character flaw of being cowardly or excessively timid.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,531 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.