Vocabulary word Cruel - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

High School 2

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TOEFL 11

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Violence and Aggression

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Dictionary Definition of cruel

Inflicting pain, suffering, or harm upon others without remorse or sympathy.
"The cruel king showed no mercy to his subjects."

Detailed Meaning of Cruel

Cruelty is characterized by a lack of compassion, kindness, or mercy, often driven by a desire to dominate, intimidate, or assert power over others. It involves deliberate or intentional acts that cause physical, emotional, or psychological distress, disregarding the well-being or rights of the individuals affected. Cruelty can manifest in various forms, such as verbal abuse, physical violence, torture, oppression, exploitation, or neglect. It represents a callous disregard for the feelings and welfare of others, reflecting a dark and harsh aspect of human nature that goes against principles of empathy, fairness, and moral decency.

Example Sentences for Cruel

1. Her words were as sharp as knives, slicing through the air with a cruel precision.
2. He was oblivious to the cruel irony of his statement.
3. The once kind-hearted queen turned cruel after the loss of her beloved son.
4. The cruel winter wind cut through their clothes, chilling them to the bone.
5. The circus was shut down for its cruel treatment of animals.
6. The witch in the fairytale was known for her cruel tricks and sinister laugh.

Origin and Etymology of Cruel

The adjective 'cruel' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'crudelis,' which meant 'ruthless' or 'inhuman.' This term is derived from 'crudus,' which originally meant 'raw' or 'uncooked' but later acquired the sense of 'bloody' or 'cruel' when applied to acts of violence. The idea behind 'cruel' is that it signifies actions or behavior that cause pain, suffering, or harm to others without any sense of remorse or sympathy. The etymology of 'cruel' underscores its historical connection to acts of brutality and inhumanity, reflecting the callous and unfeeling nature of actions that intentionally cause harm or suffering to others.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective cruel:

compassionate

kind

merciless

humane

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Cruel

1. The drought had a cruel grip on the farmers’ livelihood.
2. The strict teacher's cruel punishments caused the children to fear her.
3. She gave him a cruel smile before revealing the devastating news.
4. The cruel twist of fate left him penniless and alone.
5. It’s a cruel world, but moments of kindness can make it bearable.
6. The cruel bully tormented his classmates daily.
7. Animal cruelty is a grave concern for many.
8. She endured years of cruel abuse in silence.
9. The dictator ruled with an iron fist, known for his cruel methods.
10. The movie depicted the cruel realities of war.
11. The cruel fate of the abandoned puppy saddened everyone.
12. Her cruel words left scars on his fragile self-esteem.
13. Discrimination is a cruel injustice that must be fought.
14. The cruel injustice of poverty affects millions worldwide.
15. The prisoner endured cruel treatment in captivity.
16. Acts of cruelty toward animals should be reported.
17. The cruel twist of fate altered their lives forever.
18. The villain's cruel laughter echoed in the dark lair.
19. Kindness can combat the effects of a cruel world.
20. The cruel irony of life often surprises us.
21. He had a cruel sense of humor, mocking others relentlessly.
22. Overcoming the cruel hardships of life is a testament to resilience.
23. They protested against the cruel treatment of refugees.
24. Cruel intentions can lead to destructive outcomes.
25. The world must unite against the cruel forces of oppression.