What does cowardliest mean?
Cowardliest is an adjective that describes someone or something as extremely cowardly. It is a strong and somewhat archaic word that is often used to emphasize the degree of cowardice. In informal contexts, it can be used to convey a sense of extreme fear or lack of courage. However, it is not commonly used in formal writing or in polite conversation, as it can be perceived as overly dramatic or even insulting. Despite this, cowardliest can be a useful word in certain situations, such as when describing a character's behavior in a novel or a historical event. It is essential to use this word carefully, as it can have a significant impact on the tone and meaning of the text.
adjectiveExtremely cowardly; showing the highest degree of cowardice.
- Extremely cowardly; showing the highest degree of cowardice.
"He was considered the cowardliest soldier in the entire army."
"He was considered the cowardliest soldier in the entire army."
"Her cowardly behavior was a major disappointment to her friends."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cowardliest
The word cowardliest is derived from the adjective coward, which means showing a lack of courage or fear. The suffix -liest is a comparative form that indicates the highest degree of a particular quality. The word cowardliest has been in use since the 17th century and is considered a variant of the more common word cowardly.
How cowardliest is actually used
In informal contexts, cowardliest can be used to emphasize the degree of cowardice, but it is generally considered a strong and somewhat archaic word.