pusillanimity
/,pju:silə'nimiti/
Definition
- 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."
Noun
-
contemptible fearfulness
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