pusillanimous — showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/
Example Sentences
- The pusillanimous cat hid under the bed when it heard the vacuum cleaner.
- Don't be pusillanimous - it's just a tiny spider!
- His pusillanimous refusal to take risks cost him many opportunities.
pusillanimous
ADJECTIVE[/ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/]
showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
The pusillanimous knight trembles behind a bush while the dragon yawns nearby.
From pusillanimous silence to magnanimous courage, breaking unanimous fear!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin pusillanimis, literally meaning 'having a very small spirit or mind.' Ancient Romans viewed courage as the size of one's heart or spirit, so someone with a 'small spirit' was naturally considered cowardly.
Breakdown
pusill- (very small) + anim- (spirit/mind) + -ous (adjective suffix meaning 'full of' or 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The pusillanimous cat hid under the bed when it heard the vacuum cleaner.”
“Don't be pusillanimous - it's just a tiny spider!”
“His pusillanimous refusal to take risks cost him many opportunities.”
“The pusillanimous politician avoided taking any controversial stance.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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