Pusillanimousness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of displaying a lack of courage that leads to avoidance of challenges and a tendency to be overly fearful in difficult situations
2. The condition marked by timidity and a reluctance to take risks, which results in an overall deficiency of bravery when confronted with adversity
3. The quality of being characterized by extreme cowardice and an inability to confront challenges, leading to excessive fear and hesitation in perilous circumstances

Etymology: Pusillanimousness is simply "pusillanimous" with the suffix "-ness" added, turning the adjective into a noun for the quality or state itself. The adjective is the more interesting part. It comes from Latin "pusillanimis," built from "pusillus," meaning very small or weak, and "animus," meaning mind, spirit or courage. Literally, then, a pusillanimous person is one of small spirit. The Latin pairing was a deliberate way of describing a lack of nerve, and English took it over to name a mind that shrinks from danger. The noun carries that same image: a condition in which the spirit seems too small to face adversity.

Synonyms: cowardice, timidity, fearfulness, meekness, spinelessness

Antonyms: bravery, courage, boldness, fearlessness, valor