cruel
UK: ˈkruːəl | US: ˈkruːəl
adj. 1. Willfully causing pain or suffering to others; merciless.
adj. 2. Harsh or severe in action or effect.
adj. 3. (of a situation or event) Extremely unpleasant or distressing.
cruel = cru<raw, bloody> + el<adjective suffix>
- cru (from Latin crudelis, meaning "raw, bloody, harsh")
- el (Latin adjectival suffix, often implying a quality or tendency)
Etymology Origin:
The word "cruel" traces back to Latin crudelis, derived from crudus ("raw, bloody"). The original sense emphasized physical brutality, akin to the rawness of untreated wounds. Over time, it broadened to describe both physical and emotional harshness. The suffix -el (via Old French -el) solidified its adjectival form, retaining its association with unrelenting severity.
The cruel king punished dissenters without mercy.
It was cruel to leave the injured animal alone.
The winter brought cruel winds that froze the rivers.
She regretted her cruel words as soon as they were spoken.
Fate can be cruel, stripping away happiness without warning.