brutal
UK: ˈbruːtl | US: ˈbruːtl
adj. savagely violent, cruel, or harsh
adj. direct and lacking subtlety (e.g., brutal honesty)
adj. extremely demanding or punishing (e.g., brutal workout)
brutal = brut<raw, coarse> + al<adjective suffix>
- brut (from Latin brutus meaning "dull, stupid, raw, unrefined")
- al (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, e.g., natural, central)
Etymology Origin:
The word brutal traces back to Latin brutus, which originally described physical roughness (like unprocessed materials) or intellectual dullness. Over time, it evolved to emphasize violent or unrefined behavior in Old French (brutal), later adopted into English with intensified connotations of cruelty. The suffix -al systematically converts nouns into adjectives, reinforcing the word’s descriptive force.
The dictator’s brutal regime oppressed dissenters.
She appreciated his brutal honesty, even when it hurt.
The marathon was a brutal test of endurance.
Critics condemned the film’s brutal depiction of war.
Winter brought brutal cold to the mountain village.