Pusillanimous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌpyü-sə-ˈla-nə-məs/ pu·sil·lan·i·mous

Meaning & Definition of Pusillanimous

Pusillanimous (adjective)

  1. lacking courage and resolution, marked by contemptible timidity

Pusillanimous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing a shameful lack of courage

    "pusillanimous politicians who vote according to whichever way the political wind is blowing"

    similar: chicken, chicken-livered, chickenhearted, cowardly, craven, dastardly, gutless, lily-livered, milk-livered (archaic), poltroon, recreant, spineless, unheroic, yellow
    related: diffident, fainthearted, fearful, timid, timorous, afraid, frightened, scared, careful, cautious, wary, bashful, coy, shy, feeble, soft, unmanly, weak
    opposite: brave, courageous, daring, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, gutsy, hardy, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, stalwart, stout, stouthearted, valiant, valorous
    near: audacious, bold, brazen, cheeky, nervy, plucky, spirited, spunky, determined, resolute

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Pusillanimous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Pusillanimous:

Archaic: milk-livered
chicken, chicken-livered, chickenhearted, cowardly, craven, dastardly, gutless, lily-livered, poltroon, recreant, spineless, unheroic, yellow

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Pusillanimous

Words with the opposite meaning of Pusillanimous:

brave, courageous, daring, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant, greathearted, gutsy, hardy, heroic, intrepid, lionhearted, stalwart, stout, stouthearted, valiant, valorous

Related Words for Pusillanimous

diffident, fainthearted, fearful, timid, timorous, afraid, frightened, scared, careful, cautious, wary, bashful, coy, shy, feeble, soft, unmanly, weak

Near Antonyms of Pusillanimous

audacious, bold, brazen, cheeky, nervy, plucky, spirited, spunky, determined, resolute

Word Forms of Pusillanimous

Derived words: pusillanimously (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Pusillanimous

Late Latin pusillanimis, from Latin pusillus very small (diminutive of pusus boy) + animus spirit; perhaps akin to Latin puer child puerile, animate

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Pusillanimous

What does "Pusillanimous" mean?

"Pusillanimous" means lacking courage and resolution, marked by contemptible timidity. As an adjective, it is defined as: lacking courage and resolution, marked by contemptible timidity.

What is another word for "Pusillanimous"?

Other words for "Pusillanimous" include chicken, chicken-livered, chickenhearted, cowardly, craven, dastardly, gutless and lily-livered. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Pusillanimous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Pusillanimous"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Pusillanimous". Common alternatives include chicken, chicken-livered, chickenhearted, cowardly, craven, dastardly, gutless, lily-livered, milk-livered and poltroon.

What is the opposite of "Pusillanimous"?

Antonyms of "Pusillanimous" include brave, courageous, daring, dauntless, doughty, fearless, gallant and greathearted. Near antonyms include audacious, bold, brazen and cheeky.

How do you use "Pusillanimous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Pusillanimous" in a sentence: "pusillanimous politicians who vote according to whichever way the political wind is blowing".

Is "Pusillanimous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Pusillanimous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Pusillanimous"?

"Pusillanimous" is pronounced /ˌpyü-sə-ˈla-nə-məs/ and divided into syllables as pu·sil·lan·i·mous.

What is the origin of the word "Pusillanimous"?

"Pusillanimous" comes from Late Latin pusillanimis, from Latin pusillus very small (diminutive of pusus boy) + animus spirit; perhaps akin to Latin puer child puerile, animate. First known use: 15th century.