What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recreant
Example
The soldier was labeled a recreant for deserting his post during the battle. [recreant: noun]
Example
She felt recreant for not standing up for her friend when she was being bullied. [recreant: adjective]
craven
Example
He was too craven to confront his boss about the unfair treatment. [craven: adjective]
Example
The villagers saw him as a craven for running away from the wild animal. [craven: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Craven is more commonly used than recreant in everyday language. Craven is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while recreant is less common and may sound archaic or formal.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between recreant and craven?
Both recreant and craven have negative connotations and are typically associated with a formal or literary tone. However, craven is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.