Basic Details
Word: Cowardice
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The quality of being too afraid to take risks or face danger.
Synonyms: Timidity, fearfulness, cravenness
Antonyms: Bravery, courage, valour
Idioms and Phrases
- Face the music: To accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions. Example: "He had to face the music after avoiding the responsibility for so long, showing his cowardice."
- Light a fire under someone: To encourage someone to be more active or take action. Example: "She needed someone to light a fire under her; she couldn't let cowardice hold her back any longer."
Usage Examples
Example 1: His cowardice prevented him from speaking up when he saw unfair treatment of his friend.
Example 2: Many people admired her bravery, but she had secretly fought against her own cowardice for years.
Example 3: The story revolves around a hero who overcomes his cowardice to save the village from danger.
Fun Fact
The word "cowardice" comes from the French word "couard," which means 'lacking courage.' It has been used since the 14th century to describe those who show a lack of bravery.
Famous Quote
"Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?'" Martin Luther King Jr.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "cowardice" mean?
a) Bravery in all situations
b) The quality of being too afraid
c) A strong sense of justice
d) A happy attitude
Answer: b) The quality of being too afraid
2. Which of these is a synonym of "cowardice"?
a) Fearfulness
b) Heroism
c) Determination
d) Confidence
Answer: a) Fearfulness
3. Which word is the opposite of "cowardice"?
a) Timidity
b) Cravenness
c) Bravery
d) Weakness
Answer: c) Bravery
4. Which sentence uses "cowardice" correctly?
a) His cowardice enabled him to win the race.
b) She faced her cowardice and spoke out against the bullying.
c) Cowardice is a type of flower.
d) They celebrated their cowardice with a party.
Answer: b) She faced her cowardice and spoke out against the bullying.
5. What does the idiom "face the music" mean in relation to cowardice?
a) To confront difficult situations
b) To enjoy a concert
c) To become a musician
d) To dance
Answer: a) To confront difficult situations
