Cowardish vs. Cowardly: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 28, 2023
Cowardish and cowardly both describe a lack of courage, but cowardly is the more commonly used and accepted term, while cowardish is less standard and used more informally.
Difference Between Cowardish and Cowardly
"Cowardish" is an informal and less commonly used adjective that describes behavior or actions that resemble those of a coward. It implies a degree of cowardice but is not as strongly negative as "cowardly." "Cowardly," on the other hand, is a widely recognized and standard term for describing actions or behavior that show a lack of courage in facing danger, pain, or difficulty.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
In literature, "cowardish" might be used for stylistic or character-driven purposes, often to convey a somewhat playful or less serious accusation of cowardice. "Cowardly" is used more broadly in both literary and non-literary contexts, carrying a strong condemnation of the behavior as being distinctly lacking in bravery.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
"Cowardish" can imply a temporary or less severe form of cowardice, possibly suggesting that the behavior is out of character or situational. "Cowardly" denotes a more inherent or pronounced characteristic, often implying a habitual nature of avoiding risk or difficulty due to fear.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
The use of "cowardish" is rare and can sometimes be seen as archaic or dialectical. In contrast, "cowardly" is a standard adjective in contemporary English, widely understood and used across various contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing.
Nolan
Dec 28, 2023
In terms of linguistic acceptance, "cowardly" is universally recognized and can be found in most dictionaries as a well-defined term. "Cowardish," however, may not be recognized in formal language or appear in standard dictionaries, reflecting its less common usage.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Cowardish vs. Cowardly Comparison Chart
Dictionary Recognition
Often not recognized in standard dictionaries
Recognized and well-defined
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Cowardish vs. Cowardly Definitions
◉Cowardish
Cowardish describes behavior somewhat resembling that of a coward.
His cowardish refusal to stand up for his friends was disappointing.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardly
Cowardly is used to condemn actions that lack bravery.
It was a cowardly act to lie instead of admitting the mistake.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardish
Cowardish may be used playfully to describe mild cowardice.
He was being cowardish about trying the new roller coaster.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardly
Cowardly behavior often involves shirking from difficult or painful situations.
She criticized his cowardly avoidance of confrontation.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardish
Cowardish can imply a temporary lack of bravery.
In a moment of cowardish hesitation, he missed his chance to speak.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardly
Cowardly can describe actions that betray a lack of moral courage.
Their cowardly silence in the face of injustice was disappointing.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardish
Cowardish sometimes suggests behavior that is uncharacteristically fearful.
It was unlike her to be so cowardish in the face of a challenge.
Leo
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardly
Cowardly describes behavior that shows a lack of courage in facing danger.
The soldier's cowardly retreat cost them the battle.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardish
Cowardish can denote a lesser degree of cowardice in specific situations.
His cowardish behavior during the game was out of character.
Henry
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardly
Cowardly can imply a habitual avoidance of risk due to fear.
His cowardly refusal to face the truth was frustrating.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
◉Cowardly
Exhibiting the characteristics of a coward, particularly ignoble fear
a cowardly surrender.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Cowardish vs. Cowardly Frequently Asked Questions
Is cowardish a formal term?
No, cowardish is less formal and not commonly used in standard English.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Can cowardly refer to moral cowardice?
Yes, cowardly can describe a lack of moral courage or bravery in ethical or challenging situations.
Lucas
Dec 28, 2023
Does cowardish imply the same level of fear as cowardly?
No, cowardish often implies a lesser degree of fear or cowardice compared to cowardly.
Kaitlyn
Dec 28, 2023
How is cowardly used?
Cowardly is used to describe actions or behavior that show a significant lack of courage.
Muazma Batool
Dec 28, 2023
Is it appropriate to use cowardly in formal writing?
Yes, cowardly is appropriate and commonly used in formal writing and speech.
Kaitlyn
Dec 28, 2023
Can cowardish be used to describe actions, or just people?
Cowardish typically describes people and their behavior, rather than actions directly.
Henry
Dec 28, 2023
What does cowardish mean?
Cowardish describes behavior that somewhat resembles cowardice, often used informally.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 28, 2023
Is cowardish recognized in most dictionaries?
Cowardish may not be found in many standard dictionaries due to its infrequent use.
Elijah
Dec 28, 2023
Can someone be described as cowardish in a playful context?
Yes, cowardish is sometimes used playfully or lightly to describe mild cowardice.
William
Dec 28, 2023
Is it common to hear the word cowardish in everyday language?
Cowardish is relatively rare and not frequently used in everyday language.
Levi
Dec 28, 2023
Is the use of cowardly limited to physical bravery?
No, cowardly can refer to a lack of bravery in both physical and non-physical contexts, including moral situations.
Henry
Dec 28, 2023
Does cowardly always indicate a permanent trait?
Not necessarily, cowardly can describe temporary behavior in specific situations, though it often suggests a habitual pattern.
Jonathan
Dec 28, 2023
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
