different between pusillanimous vs unworthy

English

Etymology

Derived from Latin pusillanimis (“faint-hearted, timid”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pju?s?l?æn?m?s/, /pju?s?l?æn?m?s/
• Rhymes: -æn?m?s

Adjective

pusillanimous (comparative more pusillanimous, superlative most pusillanimous)

1. Showing ignoble cowardice, or contemptible timidity. [from 16th c.]

   The soldier deserted his troop in a pusillanimous manner.

   • 1882 — Mark Twain, On the Decay of the Art of Lying [1].

     Therefore, the wise thing is for us diligently to train ourselves to lie thoughtfully, judiciously; to lie with a good object, and not an evil one; to lie for others' advantage, and not our own; to lie healingly, charitably, humanely, not cruelly, hurtfully, maliciously; to lie gracefully and graciously, not awkwardly and clumsily; to lie firmly, frankly, squarely, with head erect, not haltingly, tortuously, with pusillanimous mien, as being ashamed of our high calling.

Related terms

• pusillanimously
• pusillanimousness
• pusillanimity

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English unworthy, equivalent to un- +? worthy.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?w?ði/

  Rhymes: -??(r)ði

Adjective

unworthy (comparative unworthier, superlative unworthiest)

1. Not worthy; lacking value or merit; worthless.
   • 1596-97, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act II, Scene i^[1]:

     […] But alas the while!

     If Hercules and Lichas play at dice

     Which is the better man, the greater throw

     May turn by the fortune from the weaker hand:

     So is Alcides beaten by his page;

     And so may I, blind Fortune leading me,

     Miss that which one unworthier may attain,

     And die with grieving.

   Antonym: worthy

Derived terms

• unworthily
• unworthiness

Related terms

• worth
• unworth

Translations

Noun

unworthy (plural unworthies)

1. An inadequate person.