Pusillanimous
/ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs/noun
Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.
Did you know?The term 'pusillanimous' stems from the Latin 'pusillanimis', meaning 'small spirit', hinting at a historical view of courage as a matter of 'size' and 'spirit'.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pusillanimis
“Having a small spirit; cowardly.”
Middle French
Middle French
pusillanimous
“Timid, cowardly.”
Early Modern English
English
pusillanimous
“Characterized by a lack of courage; cowardly.”
Modern English
English
pusillanimous
“Describing someone who is timid or lacking in self-confidence.”
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