Basic Details
Word: Coward
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who is afraid to do difficult or dangerous things; one who lacks courage.
Synonyms: Chicken, cowardice, scaredy-cat
Antonyms: Brave, hero, fearless
Idioms and Phrases
- Play the coward: To avoid doing something because of fear. Example: "He chose to play the coward instead of standing up for his friend."
- Coward at the gate: Someone who is fearful at the start of a challenge but may be brave later. Example: "She was a coward at the gate, but once she started the race, she found her courage."
Usage Examples
Example 1: He felt like a coward for not speaking up when the bully picked on his friend.
Example 2: Cowards often miss out on great adventures because they are too afraid to try new things.
Example 3: Despite being called a coward, she gathered all her courage and confronted her fears.
Fun Fact
The word "coward" comes from the Old French word "cohart" meaning "a sheep" which reflects the idea of being timid and fearful.
Famous Quote
"A hero is not braver than anyone else; he's brave five minutes longer." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "coward" mean?
a) A brave person
b) A person who lacks courage
c) A happy person
d) A strong person
Answer: b) A person who lacks courage
2. Which of these is a synonym of "coward"?
a) Hero
b) Brave
c) Chicken
d) Adventurous
Answer: c) Chicken
3. Which word means the opposite of "coward"?
a) Scaredy-cat
b) Hero
c) Timid
d) Nervous
Answer: b) Hero
4. Which sentence uses "coward" correctly?
a) The coward climbed the mountain easily.
b) He was called a coward for not trying the high dive.
c) The coward led the parade.
d) All of them are cowards.
Answer: b) He was called a coward for not trying the high dive.
5. What does "play the coward" mean?
a) To act bravely
b) To avoid something due to fear
c) To win a game
d) To challenge someone
Answer: b) To avoid something due to fear
