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craven

Adjective

IPA /ˈkreɪvn/

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Meaning in plain English

Showing a severe lack of courage when facing danger or difficulty.

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Pronunciation

craven/ˈkreɪvn/

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A difficult or threatening situation arises
Someone abandons others out of fear

Craven is a harsh judgement of behaviour that shows a serious lack of courage.

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The hero condemned the guard's craven decision to abandon his companions.
The journalist described the officials' silence as a craven response to intimidation.

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The hero condemned the guard's ________ decision to abandon his companions.

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craven — Showing a severe lack of courage when facing danger or difficulty.

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Showing a severe lack of courage when facing danger or difficulty.

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Word origin

From Middle English cravant, meaning defeated; its earlier derivation is less certain.

Did you know?

Craven expresses a much harsher judgement than nervous or cautious.

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