Brutally
/ˈbruːtəli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a way that shows extreme cruelty or violence.
/ˈbruːtəli/
In a savagely violent or cruel way.
He was brutally honest in his criticism.
💡 Simply: Very cruelly and violently.
More Examples
The storm brutally ravaged the coastline.
How It's Used
"The victim was brutally murdered."
"The city was brutally bombed."
In a harsh and uncompromising manner.
/ˈbruːtəli/
In a harsh or severe manner.
The economic downturn brutally affected small businesses.
💡 Simply: In a very harsh and unforgiving way.
More Examples
The truth was brutally exposed.
How It's Used
"The critics brutally attacked the new play."
From Middle English *brutal, from Old French brutal, from Latin brutālis, from brutus "stupid, dull, senseless". The sense shifted from "insensitive" to "violent".
While the word's root implies 'insensitive', its modern usage emphasizes violence and cruelty.
Memory tip
Think of a brute—someone crude and violent; brutally means acting like one.
Word Origin
"stupid, dull, senseless"