Cowardlike is a word that describes a person or actions that are indicative of cowardice. The pronunciation of cowardlike is [ˈkaʊərdlaɪk], with the stress on the first syllable. The word is formed by adding the suffix -like to coward, which is pronounced [ˈkaʊərd]. The -like suffix is often used to describe something that resembles or is similar to the word to which it is attached. Therefore, cowardlike means that something is similar to or resembling cowardice.
Cowardlike is an adjective that describes someone or something as displaying characteristics or behaving in a manner that resembles that of a coward. It refers to individuals or actions that lack courage and are easily intimidated, afraid, or hesitant in the face of danger, difficulty, or challenge.
Someone who is cowardlike tends to shrink away from confronting their fears, avoiding confrontations or difficult situations out of fear of potential harm or failure. Such individuals may avoid taking risks or shy away from standing up for themselves or others when faced with adversity or conflict. They often exhibit a lack of self-confidence, exhibiting signs of anxiety, indecisiveness, or passivity.
Cowardlike behavior can manifest in various aspects of life, such as personal relationships, professional settings, or even in the face of moral dilemmas. It is characterized by a reluctance to face obstacles, an inability to confront one's fears, and a tendency to retreat or withdraw when confronted with difficult or challenging circumstances. Cowardlike behavior is often seen as negative or undesirable, as it is associated with a lack of bravery or the unwillingness to take responsibility.
Overall, the term cowardlike is used to describe an individual or action that shows signs of fearfulness, timidity, and a lack of courage in the face of adversity or challenging situations.
The word cowardlike is formed by combining the noun coward and the suffix -like.
Coward is believed to have originated from the Old French word coart, which also means coward. It can be traced further back to the Latin word cauda, meaning tail. The connection between cauda and coward likely comes from the idea of an animal tucking its tail between its legs in fear.
The suffix -like in English is derived from the Old English word lic, meaning having the body or form of. It is used to create adjectives that describe similarities or resemblances to the base word.
Therefore, when the roots coward and -like are combined, the word cowardlike is formed, meaning having the characteristics or behavior of a coward.