cowardly
Translation
cowardly, fainthearted, spineless
Examples
It was a cowardly attack on an unarmed man.
It was a cowardly attack on an unarmed man.
He made a cowardly decision to run away.
He made a cowardly decision to run away.
Grammar Patterns
((a cowardly + noun)) describes a noun as lacking courage. It was a cowardly attack.
Similar Words
Synonyms: spineless, timid; Antonyms: brave, courageous
Etymology
From Old French 'coart', from 'coe' (tail), like an animal with its tail between its legs. The '-ly' suffix forms the adjective.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'cow' that is too scared to move 'ward' (forward).