pusillanimity

/,pju:silə'nimiti/

Thân thiện

A leader's pusillanimity prevented him from making the necessary decision.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Contemptible fearfulness; cowardice; lack of courage or resolution: "Pusillanimity" refers to a state of being timid, faint-hearted, or showing an ignoble lack of bravery, often to a degree that invites scorn or contempt.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • His pusillanimity in the face of a minor challenge disappointed his team.
  • The general accused the deserters of sheer pusillanimity.
  • History often judges leaders harshly for their pusillanimity during crises.

Advanced Usage

• "An act of pusillanimity": A specific instance or demonstration of cowardly behavior.
  • Surrendering without a fight was seen as an unforgivable act of pusillanimity.

Variants and Related Words

• Pusillanimous (adj): Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.
  • The pusillanimous official refused to take responsibility for the decision.

Synonyms

• Cowardice
• Timidity
• Faint-heartedness
• Spinelessness
• Cravenness

Antonyms

• Courage
• Bravery
• Fortitude
• Boldness
• Fearlessness

Notes on Meaning

• Connotation: The word carries a strong negative and judgmental connotation. It implies not just fear, but a weak, contemptible, or dishonorable kind of fear that leads to a failure of duty or principle. It is more severe than simple "timidity."

Học thuật

Noun

1. contemptible fearfulness

Từ đồng nghĩa

• pusillanimousness