brutal
pronunciation
How to pronounce brutal in British English:
UK [ˈbruːtl]
How to pronounce brutal in American English:
US [ˈbruːtl]
-
- Adjective:
- (of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain
- (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
- used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering
Word Origin
- brutal (adj.)
- mid-15c., in reference to the nature of animals, from Latin brutus (see brute (adj.)) + -al (1). Of persons, "fierce," 1640s. Related: Brutally.
Example
- 1. This can be a brutal war of attrition .
- 2. Georgia 's modernisation was vigorous , even brutal .
- 3. They aptly learn how to employ brutal tactics .
- 4. The enemy made a brutal attack upon the villagers .
- 5. War is hell , but ancient wars were particularly brutal .