What does cowardly mean?

Definitions for cowardly
ˈkaʊ ərd licow·ard·ly

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word cowardly.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. cowardly, fearfuladjective

    lacking courage; ignobly timid and faint-hearted

    "cowardly dogs, ye will not aid me then"- P.B.Shelley

Wiktionary

  1. cowardlyadverb

    In the manner of a coward.

  2. cowardlyadjective

    Showing cowardice. Lacking in courage, unacceptably fearful, usually meant with some implication of a lack of consideration for others.

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary

  1. Cowardlyadjective

    Etymology: from coward.

    An Egyptian soothsayer made Antonius believe that his genius, otherwise brave and confident, was in the presence of Octavius poor and cowardly. Francis Bacon, Natural History, №. 940.

    Let all such as can enlarge their consciences like hell, and style a cowardly silence in Christ’s cause discretion, know, that Christ will one day scorn them. Robert South, Sermons.

    I do find it cowardly, and vile,
    For fear of what might fall, so to prevent
    The time of life. William Shakespeare, Julius Cæsar.

  2. Cowardlyadverb

    In the manner of a coward; meanly; vilely.

    He sharply reproved them as men of no courage, who had most cowardly turned their backs upon their enemies. Richard Knolles.

Wikipedia

  1. cowardly

    Cowardice is a trait wherein excessive fear prevents an individual from taking a risk or facing danger. It is the opposite of courage. As a label, "cowardice" indicates a failure of character in the face of a challenge. One who succumbs to cowardice is known as a coward.As the opposite of bravery, which many historical and current human societies reward, cowardice is seen as a character flaw that is detrimental to society and thus the failure to face one's fear is often stigmatized and/or punished.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Cowardlyadjective

    wanting courage; basely or weakly timid or fearful; pusillanimous; spiritless

  2. Cowardlyadjective

    proceeding from fear of danger or other consequences; befitting a coward; dastardly; base; as, cowardly malignity

  3. Cowardlyadverb

    in the manner of a coward

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of cowardly in Chaldean Numerology is: 9

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of cowardly in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of cowardly in a Sentence

  1. Kellyanne Conway:

    I have really no idea, nor do you, what else this person has divulged, i think somebody so cowardly and so conceited would probably go a step further.

  2. Voltaire:

    Marriage is the only adventure open to the cowardly.

  3. Nancy Pelosi:

    Nancy Pelosi SLAMS CALIFORNIA ICE RAID AS' UNJUST AND CRUEL' AMID OUTCRY OVER MAYOR'S TIPOFF TO IMMIGRANTS The people of California will not be bowed by the Trump administration's brazen aggression and intimidation tactics, californians will continue to proudly keep our doors open to the immigrants who make America more American. We will fight this sham lawsuit and will fight all cowardly attacks on our immigrant communities. But in his remarks, Attorney General Jeff Sessions appeared to be happy to fight, promising that the administration will win the fight and protect law enforcement in doing their jobs.

  4. Jussie Smollett:

    As my family stated, these types of cowardly attacks are happening to my sisters, brothers and non-gender conforming siblings daily, i am not and should not be looked upon as an isolated incident.

  5. Feltham:

    It is our follies that make our lives uncomfortable. Our errors of opinion, our cowardly fear of the world?s worthless censure, and our eagerness after unnecessary gold have hampered the way of virtue, and made it far more difficult than, in itself, it is.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

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Translations for cowardly

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"cowardly." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/cowardly>.

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    the region of the body of a vertebrate between the thorax and the pelvis
    A accommodation
    B rapture
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