craven
KRAY-vuhn
/ˈkreɪ.vən/
Contemptibly lacking in courage; abjectly cowardly.
Strongly derogatory word implying shameful, contemptible cowardice that betrays duty, honor, or moral responsibility.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Old French 'cravante', meaning beaten or overwhelmed. In medieval trial by combat, a defeated knight who begged for mercy would cry out 'cravant', acknowledging defeat and suffering permanent dishonor.
Word relationships
- cowardly: 'Cowardly' is standard everyday vocabulary, whereas 'craven' adds a layer of deep moral contempt and dishonor.
- dastardly: 'Dastardly' implies treacherous villainy paired with cowardice, while 'craven' focuses on spineless fear.
- valiant: 'Valiant' implies brave, heroic action in defense of honor or principle.
- intrepid: 'Intrepid' emphasizes fearless endurance and adventurous courage.
Commonly confused with
- cravat: A 'cravat' is a neckband or necktie, whereas 'craven' means contemptibly cowardly.
Word family
- cravenly (adverb): In a shamefully cowardly manner.
- cravenness (noun): Abject cowardice or despicable weakness of spirit.
Collocations
- craven act
- craven apology
- craven coward
- craven silence
Example sentences
- "Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou, I said, art sure no craven, ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore." Classic Literature
- "The minister's craven refusal to stand up to corruption alienated even his most loyal supporters." Political Commentary
Memory hook
A craven person always 'CRAVES' an escape route when danger appears. Craven = caving in when courage is needed.
When not to use
Do not use for harmless shyness or understandable hesitation in social situations.
Fun facts
- In medieval chivalry, calling a knight 'craven' was a formal insult that often triggered an immediate duel to the death.
Related words
Explore more words
despicable, dereliction, despondent, servile, timorous, opprobrium
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