pusillanimous
pyoo-suh-LAN-uh-mus
/ˌpjuː.sɪˈlæn.ɪ.məs/
Showing a lack of courage, determination, or spirit; faint-hearted.
Literally means 'small-souled'; highlights a petty, weak character that shrinks from difficult decisions.
The story behind the word. Coined in late Latin from 'pusillus' (tiny) and 'animus' (spirit/soul). It literally translates to 'having a tiny spirit.' It entered English in the 16th century via Church Latin text translations.
Word relationships
- timid: 'Timid' is mild and gentle; 'pusillanimous' carries severe formal censure of weak-minded cowardice.
- faint-hearted: 'Faint-hearted' is more poetic and evocative, while 'pusillanimous' is formal and academic.
- magnanimous: 'Magnanimous' means great-souled, generous, and noble, the exact Latin opposite of 'pusillanimous' (small-souled).
- resolute: 'Resolute' means admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
Commonly confused with
- magnanimous: 'Magnanimous' means generous/big-hearted, whereas 'pusillanimous' means cowardly/small-hearted.
Word family
- pusillanimity (noun): Cowardice or lack of courage and spirit.
- pusillanimously (adverb): In a cowardly or spiritless manner.
Collocations
- pusillanimous response
- pusillanimous leader
- pusillanimous delay
- pusillanimous behavior
Example sentences
- "The committee condemned the council's pusillanimous decision to delay critical reform until after the election." Political Speech
- "Historians criticized the ruler for his pusillanimous leadership during the foreign invasion." Historical Criticism
Memory hook
Pusillanimous = Pussycat-animus (a spirit like a timid kitten when a lion's courage is needed). Pusillanimous = tiny soul.
When not to use
Avoid in informal everyday conversation; it sounds overly pompous unless writing formal rhetoric or satire.
Fun facts
- The exact antonym of pusillanimous is magnanimous (great-souled), sharing the root 'animus'!
Related words
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