wimpy
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Weak and ineffectual: Describes a person, behavior, or thing that lacks strength, courage, or determination; feeble or cowardly.
Usage
The adjective "wimpy" is used to characterize someone or something as physically weak, lacking in force, or showing a timid, cowardly nature. It is an informal, often derogatory term. - It typically modifies a noun directly (e.g., a wimpy kid, a wimpy excuse). - It can be used predicatively after linking verbs like be, seem, or act (e.g., He is wimpy).
Examples
- Adjective:
- He gave a wimpy response to the bully instead of standing up for himself.
- Don't be so wimpy; you need to assert your opinion in the meeting.
- The wimpy motor couldn't power the boat up the river.
Advanced Usage
- "wimpy out" (informal phrasal verb): To fail to do something due to cowardice or lack of nerve; to back out feebly.
- He promised to go bungee jumping but wimped out at the last second.
Variants and Related Words
- Wimp (noun): A weak, cowardly, or ineffectual person.
- Don't be such a wimp; it's only a spider.
- Wimpish (adjective): A less common variant with the same meaning as "wimpy."
- Wimpiness (noun): The state or quality of being wimpy.
Synonyms
- Feeble
- Cowardly
- Timid
- Spineless
- Ineffectual
- Pusillanimous (formal)
Antonyms
- Brave
- Courageous
- Strong
- Assertive
- Stalwart
Related Idioms/Phrases
- A wimp/wimpy: Used directly as a descriptor, often in the phrase "Don't be a wimp" or "That's wimpy."
- Come on, jump in! Don't be a wimp.