Pusillanimous Meaning and Definition
Pusillanimous
Pronunciation
/pəsɪləˈnɪməs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Lacking courage or determination; foolishly Timid or hesitant.
Examples
- The company’s pusillanimous response to the crisis led to widespread criticism.
- The team’s pusillanimous performance in the championship game was disappointing.
Synonyms
- Timid
- Cowardly
- Fearful
Antonyms
- Bold
- Venturous
- Brave
Etymology
Pusillanimous originated from the Latin words “pusillus,” meaning small, and “animus,” meaning mind or spirit.
Usage Notes
Pusillanimous can be used to describe individuals, teams, or organizations that lack the courage or determination to take bold action.
Cultural References
Pusillanimous has been used in literature and poetry to describe characters who lack courage or determination. For example, in Shakespeare’s “Othello,” Iago is described as pusillanimous for his cowardly behavior.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Pusillanimous fool” is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is foolishly timid or hesitant.
Related Words or Phrases
- Mundane
- Provincial
- Clumsy
Collocations
- Pusillanimous behavior
- Pusillanimous decision
- Pusillanimous attitude
Frequency of Use
Pusillanimous is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is still used in formal writing and literature to describe someone or something that lacks courage or determination.
Common Misspellings
- Pusillanious
- Pusillanimouse
- Pusillanimus