craven
/ˈkɹeɪ.vən/
Group 2Difficulty 3/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Lacking any courage; contemptibly timid GRE
Example in Context
The general's craven decision to retreat without engaging the enemy cost the alliance a strategic foothold in the region.
Synonyms
cowardlyspinelesstimid
Etymology
One who 'breaks' under pressure; utterly lacking in courage.
- crev (Latin) — to break
Memory Aid
🐔Sounds like “craven sounds like 'craven me'”
Picture a chicken saying 'CRAVEN me! I'm too scared to cross the road!'
Visual Association
🐥A tiny chick trembling at the edge of a road, terrified to move forward, surrounded by laughing traffic.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “craven” mean on the GRE?
craven (adjective) means “Lacking any courage; contemptibly timid”. The general's craven decision to retreat without engaging the enemy cost the alliance a strategic foothold in the region.
How to remember “craven” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “craven” sounds like “craven sounds like 'craven me'”. Picture a chicken saying 'CRAVEN me! I'm too scared to cross the road!'
What are synonyms for “craven”?
Common synonyms: cowardly, spineless, timid.