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caitiff

caitiff

1 9.9
Being very cowardly and mean
  • adjective
  • /ˈkeɪtɪf/
  • Offensive
: cobarde
  • The caitiff thief stole from the elderly woman.

Examples

  • The caitiff actions of the traitor sparked outrage among his fellow soldiers.

  • The knight refused to yield to the caitiff foe who beset him with treachery.

  • He was reviled as a caitiff for betraying his comrades in their time of need.

  • Many a caitiff heart quailed before the king’s stern gaze.

  • He is such a caitiff for abandoning his friends.

  • He was reviled as a caitiff for betraying his comrades in their time of need.

  • The townspeople considered him a caitiff for running at the first sign of danger.

Synonyms

craven
vscaitiff
  • Formal
15 8.7

Being very afraid and not willing to face danger

also implies despicable meanness beyond mere lack of courage
currish
vscaitiff
  • Offensive
9.9

Being mean and cowardly toward other people

is more morally contemptible and shows despicable baseness as well

Antonyms

318 3.6

Having high moral qualities and kind intentions

valiant
  • Formal
40 6.1

Showing great courage when facing danger or difficult situations

Surface Forms

caitiff positive

Etymology

The adjective caitiff has the same origin, from old French caitif and Latin captivus meaning 'captive' or 'taken', and it connects to the English word captive. That's why calling someone caitiff describes them as mean and cowardly.