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GRE vocabulary

pusillanimous

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore P words

showing a lack of courage; timid and cowardly

Word origin: From Latin pusillus (very small) and animus (spirit).

In a sentence

Pusillanimous in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing pusillanimous in a sentence.

Critics called the leadership pusillanimous for caving to threats.

The board's pusillanimous refusal to confront the problem only allowed it to worsen.

Synonyms
cowardlytimidfaintheartedcraven
Antonyms
bravecourageousbold
Usage & nuance

Using “pusillanimous” well

Pusillanimous is a strongly contemptuous word for cowardice and timidity, harsher than simply calling someone afraid.

Common questions

Questions about “pusillanimous

Pusillanimous (adjective) means showing a lack of courage; timid and cowardly
Here is pusillanimous used in an example sentence: "Critics called the leadership pusillanimous for caving to threats." Another example: "The board's pusillanimous refusal to confront the problem only allowed it to worsen."
Common synonyms for pusillanimous include cowardly, timid, fainthearted, craven.
Antonyms of pusillanimous include brave, courageous, bold.
On the GRE, pusillanimous clusters with cowardly, timid, fainthearted, and craven, opposing brave, courageous, and bold.
Yes. Pusillanimous is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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