Pusillanimous

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /pjuːsɪlˈænɪməs/

Definitions

1. Lacking courage or determination; characterized by timidity, cowardice, or an unwillingness to take risks or face difficulty
2. Exhibiting extreme lack of courage and resolve in the face of challenge or danger
3. Marked by cowardice and an inability to muster bravery when confronted with difficulty or risk

Etymology: This adjective traces its origins to the Latin word "pusillanimis," which itself is a compound of two parts: "pusillus," meaning "very small" or "tiny," and "animus," meaning "spirit" or "soul." The combination literally conveys the idea of having a "small spirit" or "little courage," capturing a sense of timidity or faint-heartedness. The term entered English in the early 17th century, preserving much of its original Latin sense. It was used to describe someone who lacked bravery or resolve, often implying a moral or character flaw rather than mere caution. The word’s classical roots lent it a somewhat formal or literary tone, making it more common in written than spoken English. The components themselves also offer insight into the word’s construction. "Animus" appears in many English words related to mind or spirit, such as "animation" and "magnanimous," the latter meaning "great-spirited" and thus serving as a direct semantic opposite. This contrast highlights how the prefix "pusill-" shrinks the idea of spirit to something feeble or insignificant. Over time, the word’s usage has remained relatively stable, consistently referring to a lack of courage or resolve rather than shifting toward other kinds of smallness. Its presence in English reflects a typical pattern of borrowing abstract character traits from Latin compounds that vividly combine physical and mental qualities.

Synonyms: cowardly, timid

Antonyms: brave, courageous