pusillanimous
UK/.pju:si'lænimәs/US
GREC2
Definitions
adj.
Cowardly; showing a lack of courage or resolve.
胆小的；懦弱的；优柔寡断的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derived+
-ousfull of, having the quality of
=pusillanimous
Latin pusillus (very small) + anim (spirit) + -ous = 'tiny-souled.' A pusillanimous person has a spirit too small to be brave — the direct opposite of magnanimous, the 'great-souled' one.
Root anim still carries 21 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.pusillanimous response懦弱的回应
- 2.[pusillanimous behavior]胆怯的行为
- 3.pusillanimous leader懦弱无能的领导人
- 4.[pusillanimous retreat]怯懦的退缩
Example Sentences
- 1.
Critics called the government's pusillanimous response a failure of nerve.
- 2.
He was too pusillanimous to confront his own staff.