craven etymology

Origin and Etymology

The word "craven" originates from the Middle English word "cravant," meaning "defeated" or "cowardly." It is a derivative of the Old French word "craventer," which itself comes from the Latin word "craventus," meaning "begged for mercy."

Meaning

Craven refers to a person who is:

• Lacking courage or determination
• Easily frightened or intimidated
• Willing to submit to authority without resistance

It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is cowardly or lacking in bravery.

Usage

The word "craven" is often used in a derogatory sense to criticize someone who is perceived as weak or excessively timid. It is commonly used in the context of war, combat, or situations that require courage.

Examples

• "He was a craven soldier who refused to face the enemy."
• "The politician showed his craven side by withdrawing from the race at the first sign of opposition."
• "The cat's craven nature made it easy prey for the larger dog."

craven relate terms

• crave

  Etymology The word crave comes from the Old English word cravian which means to ask

• craft

  Etymology Old English cræft from Proto Germanic kraptiz meaning strength powe

• raven

  Etymology The word raven derives from the Middle English rauen which itself originat

• recreant

  Etymology The word recreant derives from the Old French word recraanter meaning to

• recreant

  Etymology The word recreant derives from the Old French word recraanter meaning to

• hang

• apprehensive

  Etymology Late Middle English from Latin apprehendere past participle apprehensus

• court

  Etymology The word court originates from the Old French word cort which in turn deri

• native

  Etymology Native derives from the Old and Middle English word natif which in turn c

• quantum

  Etymology The word quantum is derived from the Latin word quantus which means how m