Brutal
/ˈbruːtəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsShowing or involving great force and violence; savagely violent.
/ˈbruːtəl/
Savage; cruel; violent.
The dictator's regime was brutal.
💡 Simply: Very cruel or violent.
More Examples
The weather was brutal that day.
How It's Used
"The brutal dictator ruled with an iron fist."
"The game was brutal, with numerous injuries."
Frankly and unpleasantly harsh.
/ˈbruːtəl/
Unpleasant and harsh in manner or nature.
The truth, though brutal, needed to be told.
💡 Simply: Very harsh or unpleasant; brutally honest.
More Examples
The critique was brutally honest, but helpful.
How It's Used
"He gave me brutal honesty, which I didn't appreciate."
From Middle English *brutal, from Old French brutal, from brut 'brutish, crude', from Latin brutus 'stupid, dull'.
The word's negative connotations have largely remained consistent throughout its usage, though its application has broadened to include harshness beyond physical violence.
Memory tip
Think of a brute, a strong and often unkind animal.