Spell Bee Word: cowardly

Basic Details

Word: Cowardly

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Lacking bravery; afraid to face danger or difficult situations.

Synonyms: Timid, fearful, spineless

Antonyms: Brave, courageous, bold

Idioms and Phrases

1. Cowardly lion: Refers to someone who seems strong but is actually very afraid. Example: "He talks big, but inside he’s a cowardly lion when it comes to taking risks."
2. Afraid of one's own shadow: Used to describe someone who is overly cautious or frightened. Example: "She’s afraid of her own shadow and doesn’t like to try new things."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The cowardly rabbit hid in its burrow when it heard a loud noise outside.

Example 2: His cowardly behaviour during the challenge disappointed his friends.

Example 3: It is not cowardly to seek help when you are in trouble; it shows wisdom.

Fun Fact

The word "coward" comes from the Old French "couard," which is based on "coue," meaning "tail." This was because animals that tucked their tails between their legs were seen as cowardly!

Famous Quote

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." Nelson Mandela

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "cowardly" mean?

a) Very brave
b) Lacking bravery
c) Very strong
d) Extremely clever

Answer: b) Lacking bravery

2. Which of these is a synonym of "cowardly"?

a) Bold
b) Timid
c) Strong
d) Fearless

Answer: b) Timid

3. Which is an antonym of "cowardly"?

a) Spineless
b) Brave
c) Timid
d) Fearful

Answer: b) Brave

4. Which sentence uses "cowardly" correctly?

a) The cowardly knight slayed the dragon bravely.
b) The cowardly dog barked loudly at the stranger.
c) The cowardly student stood up to answer the question.
d) The cowardly cat ran from the loud thunder.

Answer: d) The cowardly cat ran from the loud thunder.

5. Which idiom means someone is overly cautious?

a) Afraid of one's own shadow
b) Cowardly lion
c) A lion-hearted soldier
d) As brave as a bear

Answer: a) Afraid of one's own shadow