Cowardly

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊədli/

Definitions

1. Lacking courage or bravely facing difficult situations, especially when danger or discomfort is present
2. Displaying an unwillingness to confront danger or adversity due to fear or timidity, often characterized by avoiding conflict and retreating from challenges
3. Exhibiting a tendency to avoid risks or confrontations due to fear and weakness

Etymology: "Cowardly" is a plain formation: the adjective "coward" with the suffix "-ly" added, meaning "in the manner of a coward." The base noun "coward" came into English from Anglo-Norman "couard," itself from Old French "coart," a word meaning "tail-turner," from "coue" (tail) with a suffix suggesting one who turns tail or retreats. The image of a creature fleeing with its tail between its legs is built into the root, so the word's original picture is physical rather than moral. The adjective appeared in Middle English as a derivative of that noun. It displaced the Old English adjective "earg," which meant cowardly or timid and is now lost from everyday use, so the older native word gave way to the French-derived formation.

Synonyms: timid, fearful, pusillanimous, craven, spineless

Antonyms: brave, courageous, fearless, valiant, heroic