GREAT GIFT IDEA!
✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE
4.9
Transform Your Vocabulary Today!
craven
IPA:
Dictionary definition of craven
Extremely cowardly, lacking courage and showing an excessive fear or timidity, especially in the face of danger, adversity, or challenges.
"Their craven surrender to the enemy was seen as a betrayal by their allies."
Detailed meaning of craven
When applied to a person, behavior, or attitude, it signifies a profound unwillingness to confront difficult situations or stand up for oneself or others when it is morally or ethically necessary to do so. A craven individual often avoids risks or responsibilities, even at the cost of personal integrity or the well-being of others. This term conveys a sense of extreme weakness and a failure to exhibit the bravery and resolve typically expected in challenging circumstances. "Craven" is a critical descriptor, suggesting a lack of honor or moral strength when it is needed most.
Example sentences containing craven
1. He was a craven coward who always shied away from confrontation.
2. The craven soldier deserted his comrades in the heat of battle.
3. Her craven behavior showed her lack of courage and conviction.
4. The craven response of the authorities left the people feeling abandoned.
5. They accused him of being craven for not speaking up against injustice.
6. He couldn't bear the craven look on his dog's face when he scolded him.
History and etymology of craven
The adjective 'craven' has its roots in Middle English and Old French. It can be traced back to the Middle English word 'cravant,' which meant 'defeated' or 'vanquished.' 'Cravant' was influenced by the Old French word 'cravant,' used in the context of a defeated or routed army. This Old French term, in turn, was derived from 'crever,' meaning 'to break' or 'to burst.' Over time, 'craven' evolved in English to describe someone who is extremely cowardly, lacking courage and showing excessive fear or timidity, especially in the face of danger, adversity, or challenges. The etymology of 'craven' reflects its historical association with defeat and fear, emphasizing a lack of bravery or courage.
Further usage examples of craven
1. The craven politician refused to take a stand on controversial issues.
2. Her craven attitude made her the target of ridicule among her peers.
3. The craven act of cheating on the exam cost him his integrity.
4. The craven decision to comply with the bully's demands only emboldened him.
5. The craven prince refused to lead his army into battle, leaving his kingdom vulnerable.
6. His craven response to the crisis, characterized by trembling and fleeing, shocked everyone present.
7. She displayed craven behavior during the heated confrontation, avoiding conflict at all costs.
8. The craven soldier, overwhelmed by fear, shamefully fled the battlefield, leaving his comrades behind.
9. His craven reluctance to speak up and voice his concerns hindered the team's ability to address critical issues.
10. The team's craven strategy of playing defensively led to their ultimate defeat in the championship match.
11. Craven leaders who shy away from making tough decisions rarely inspire confidence among their teams.
12. In the face of adversity, she proved not to be craven, standing firm and determined in challenging times.
13. The craven act of bullying others is utterly unacceptable and reflects a lack of empathy.
14. Craven decisions made by the management ultimately led to the failure of the ambitious project.
15. The craven response of avoiding the threat rather than confronting it head-on disappointed us all.
16. Craven individuals often avoid taking risks, which can limit their personal and professional growth.
17. Her craven attitude, marked by a constant fear of failure, held her back from pursuing her dreams.
18. The craven retreat of the troops, demoralized and defeated, marked a dark chapter in the battle's history.
19. Making craven excuses instead of taking responsibility won't solve the underlying problem.
20. His craven surrender to pressure and temptation surprised no one who knew his character.
21. Craven behavior, such as undermining colleagues and refusing to cooperate, can seriously damage teamwork.
22. Craven leaders, who lack the moral courage to make difficult ethical decisions, often fail to earn respect.
23. Craven acts of betrayal, such as sharing confidential information, can hurt deeply and erode trust.
24. The craven act of lying to cover up one's mistakes severely tarnished his reputation and credibility.
25. In the face of danger, craven instincts often take over, leading individuals to prioritize self-preservation over others' welfare.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_f6ac1f164e3e4ed7852f22ef0ae16a21~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_2cfea7e709504d5c8f6e4f13a02e7288~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_2cfea7e709504d5c8f6e4f13a02e7288~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_ad5b36e64091400aba4f97be84511c78~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_e9816dceeace47cd9272172ed1e02bfa~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_5cefdb6ad4434b9b99a58676c1b40199~mv2.jpg, https://static.wixstatic.com/media/eb68db_e9816dceeace47cd9272172ed1e02bfa~mv2.jpg
Suffix -en, Challenges and Distress, Hurdles and Setbacks, Fortitude and Rebellion, Gloom and Unpleasantness, Middle School 2, Ineffectual and Obsolete
fearful,gutless,poltroon,pusillanimous
afraid,chicken,frightened,scared,spineless,yellow
Synonyms for craven
Quiz categories containing craven
cowardly, brave, courageous, valiant
eb68db_1fce11cba1b141a5974baa2a83e13911.mp3