Craven means lacking courage; it’s a stronger word for “cowardly,” describing someone who runs away from danger, responsibility, or the truth out of pure fear.
In everyday talk, people use “craven” when someone’s behavior feels not just scared, but shamefully so. You might hear, “His craven apology came only after the backlash,” or “It was a craven move to blame the intern.” It adds a sting that “scared” or “cowardly” alone don’t carry.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- The CEO’s craven silence during the scandal disappointed investors.
- She called the politician’s flip-flop a craven attempt to dodge criticism.
- They made a craven retreat instead of helping their teammate.
Context / Common Use
“Craven” pops up in news articles, sports commentary, and social media when someone’s fear looks selfish or dishonorable. It’s harsher than “cowardly,” so even a single mention can brand an action as morally weak.
Is craven a common word?
Not really. You’ll see it in writing more than in casual chat, but it’s understood by most English speakers.
Can craven describe a thing, or just people?
Usually people, but you can stretch it: “a craven policy” or “a craven silence” works if the context makes the cowardice clear.
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