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craven
[ krey-vuhn ]
/ ˈkreɪ vən /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
cowardly; contemptibly timid; pusillanimous.
noun
a coward.
verb (used with object)
to make cowardly.
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Idioms about craven
cry craven, to yield; capitulate; give up.
Origin of craven
1175–1225; Middle English cravant,cravaunde defeated <Old French craventé, past participle of cravanter to crush, overwhelm (<Vulgar Latin *crepantāre), influenced by Middle English creaunt defeated (see recreant)
OTHER WORDS FROM craven
cra·ven·ly, adverbcra·ven·ness, nounun·cra·ven, adjectiveWords nearby craven
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use craven in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for craven
craven
/ (ˈkreɪvən) /
adjective
cowardly; mean-spirited
noun
a coward
Derived forms of craven
cravenly, adverbcravenness, nounWord Origin for craven
C13 cravant, probably from Old French crevant bursting, from crever to burst, die, from Latin crepāre to burst, crack
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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