ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)Word Knowledge (WK)Hard
Which word is an antonym for <b>pusillanimous</b>?
- Aapprehensive
- Bcowardly
- Ctimid
- Dcourageous
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. courageous
The word 'pusillanimous' means showing a lack of courage or determination; timid. Therefore, 'courageous,' meaning brave, is its direct antonym.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Apprehensive' means anxious or fearful that something bad will happen, which is related to fear but not a direct synonym or antonym.
- B. 'Cowardly' is a synonym for pusillanimous.
- C. 'Timid' is a synonym for pusillanimous.
Pusillanimous
Showing a lack of courage or determination; timid.
- Implies moral weakness or fearfulness.
- Often used in a critical or derogatory sense.
- Derived from Latin 'pusillus' (very small) + 'animus' (spirit).
Memory trick: Pusillanimous people have a 'pussy-cat' spirit; the opposite is a 'courageous' lion.