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ruel,inhumane,unforgiving,violent

eb68db_219692eb64f44e3ba4dc72aaff1d778a.mp3

savage, gentle, kind, humane

ferocious,grueling,harsh,merciless,ruthless,savage,severe,vicious

brutal

IPA

How to pronounce brutal (audio)

Dictionary definition of brutal

Extremely harsh, cruel, or violent in nature.
"The criminal's brutal acts of violence shocked the entire community."

Detailed meaning of brutal

It is often used to depict actions, behaviors, or circumstances that involve excessive force, cruelty, or lack of mercy. When something is described as brutal, it implies a level of severity and intensity that is beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. It can refer to physical violence, such as a brutal assault or a brutal act of warfare. However, it can also describe non-physical situations, such as brutal weather conditions or a brutal critique. In a broader sense, "brutal" can convey a sense of harshness, unrelenting force, or an unforgiving nature. It is a word that evokes a strong and negative emotional response, highlighting the extreme and often destructive nature of the subject at hand.

Example sentences of brutal

1. The boxer delivered a brutal punch, knocking his opponent to the ground.
2. The war inflicted brutal casualties on both sides.
3. The storm unleashed a brutal fury, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
4. The dictator ruled with a brutal iron fist, suppressing any dissent.
5. The hiker struggled to endure the brutal heat of the desert.
6. The film depicted the brutal reality of life in a war-torn country.

History and etymology of brutal

The etymology of the adjective 'brutal' reveals its origins in Latin. It traces back to the Latin word 'brutus,' which meant 'heavy' or 'dull' in its earliest sense. Over time, 'brutus' evolved to signify things that were coarse, unrefined, or lacking in intellect. This notion of something being crude and unrelenting in its nature eventually gave rise to the modern sense of 'brutal,' describing actions, events, or individuals that are extremely harsh, cruel, or violent. The transformation of 'brutus' from denoting a lack of refinement to signifying brutality reflects how language adapts to encapsulate the evolving nuances of human experiences and behaviors.

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Further usage examples of brutal

1. The detective was determined to bring the brutal murderer to justice.
2. The prisoners endured brutal conditions in the overcrowded jail.
3. The athlete underwent a brutal training regimen to prepare for the competition.
4. The critic's review of the artist's work was brutal and merciless.
5. The victim recounted the brutal attack with tears in her eyes, seeking justice.
6. The brutal winter storm brought heavy snow and freezing temperatures.
7. The boxer suffered a brutal knockout in the ring.
8. The dictator's regime was known for its brutal oppression.
9. The movie depicted a brutal battle scene with graphic violence.
10. The hiker endured a brutal climb up the steep mountain.
11. The serial killer's crimes were described as brutal and gruesome.
12. The marathon was a brutal test of endurance.
13. The soldiers faced a brutal enemy on the battlefield.
14. The criminal faced a brutal punishment for his crimes.
15. The documentary exposed the brutal reality of child labor.
16. The hurricane caused brutal destruction along the coast.
17. The interrogator used brutal methods to extract information.
18. The accident resulted in a brutal collision between the two cars.
19. The political campaign turned into a brutal mudslinging match.
20. The wildfire's rapid spread was a brutal force of nature.
21. The teacher's critique of her work felt brutally honest.
22. The breakup was a brutal end to their relationship.
23. The competition was known for its brutal challenges.
24. The novel described the brutal conditions of war.
25. The criminal justice system can be brutal and unforgiving.

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