pusillanimous
UK[ˌpjuːsɪˈlænɪməs]US[ˌpjuːsəˈlænɪməs]
adj
lacking courage; timid or cowardly.
Morpheme Breakdown
pusill
anim
ous
pusill
very small
anim
spirit, mind
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'pusillanimous' has a direct and vivid lineage from latin. it is formed from the latin components pusillus (meaning 'very small') and animus (meaning 'spirit' or 'mind'), combined with the adjectival suffix -ous. literally, it translates to 'having a very small spirit'. this construction was used in late latin as pusillanimis, which passed into ecclesiastical latin before being adopted into english. the term's logic is transparent: it metaphorically equates courage with the size or strength of one's inner spirit, so a 'small-spirited' person is one who lacks bravery and resolve.
Analysis
Structure: pusill (very small) + anim (spirit, mind) + ous (adjective suffix)
- pusill: from latin pusillus, meaning 'very small, tiny'.
- anim: from latin animus, meaning 'spirit, mind, courage'.
- ous: a suffix forming adjectives, from latin -osus, meaning 'full of, characterized by'.
Examples
his pusillanimous response to the crisis disappointed his supporters.
she rejected the pusillanimous policy of appeasement in favor of a more decisive stance.
the general criticized the troops for their pusillanimous retreat from a position they could have held.