cowardice

/'kauədis/

Thân thiện

A soldier shows cowardice by hiding during the battle.

Definition

Noun: - The trait of lacking courage: Cowardice refers to the characteristic or quality of being easily frightened, unwilling to face danger, pain, or difficulty, and showing a lack of bravery or resolve.

Usage

Cowardice is used to describe a person's enduring characteristic or a specific instance of behavior that shows a failure of courage. It is often discussed in moral, ethical, or military contexts. It is typically a non-count noun.

Examples

• His refusal to stand up for his friend was an act of pure cowardice.
• The general accused the deserters of cowardice in the face of the enemy.
• She overcame her natural cowardice and spoke out against the injustice.

Advanced Usage

• "Moral cowardice": A specific type of cowardice involving the fear of standing up for one's beliefs or doing what is right when faced with social disapproval.
  • He displayed moral cowardice by remaining silent when his principles were challenged.

Variants and Related Words

• Coward (n): A person who lacks courage.
  • He was labeled a coward for running away.
• Cowardly (adj): Having the characteristics of a coward; lacking courage.
  • It was a cowardly attack on an unarmed man.

Synonyms

• Timidity: The state of being easily frightened; lack of self-confidence.
• Faintheartedness: Lack of courage or determination.
• Spinelessness: Weakness of character; lack of strength or resolve.

Antonyms

• Courage: The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.
• Bravery: Courageous behavior or character.
• Valor: Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To show the white feather: To display cowardice. (This idiom is less common in modern usage.)
  • The soldier was accused of showing the white feather when he retreated.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the trait of lacking courage

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cowardliness