pusillanimous
2 antonyms for pusillanimous — opposites grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Displaying dishonorable cowardice or a timidity that invites contempt.
Antonyms
How to use pusillanimous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pusillanimous response
pusillanimous behaviour
utterly pusillanimous
pusillanimous silence
It's a formal, literary word, more likely to appear in writing or political commentary than everyday speech.
Etymology
The word derives from the Latin pusillanimis, meaning faint-hearted or timid, with the English suffix -ous added to form the adjective.
Full origin of pusillanimous →Frequently asked questions
What does pusillanimous mean?
It means showing cowardice or a contemptible lack of courage, often in a way that invites criticism.
Where does pusillanimous come from?
It comes from the Latin pusillanimis, meaning faint-hearted or timid, with the suffix -ous added in English.
Is pusillanimous a strong insult?
Yes, it's a formal and quite harsh way of accusing someone of cowardice rather than a mild criticism.
