WordGarden.iobrutally
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈuːtəli/
US
- /ˈbrutəli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a cruel, savage, or violently harsh way
extremely harshly, severely, or unpleasantly
with blunt, painful directness
Beyond the definition
To do something brutally means to do it in an extremely harsh, cruel, or unflinching way—often without considering the feelings of others. It suggests a lack of gentleness and sometimes a willingness to inflict pain or discomfort. You might describe a hard truth as being said in a brutally honest way, meaning someone didn’t soften it at all. A brutally cold winter isn't just chilly; it's dangerously, painfully cold. Think of a powerful storm: it doesn't blow gently, it lashes out with force.
The word comes from "brute," suggesting animalistic force and a lack of refinement. It often implies an intensity that goes beyond simple harshness. A boxer might win a fight brutally, dominating their opponent with relentless power. While the action is not always physical, the impact can be emotionally or physically powerful and damaging.
The word "brutally" describes something done with extreme severity, cruelty, or directness. It goes beyond simply being harsh; it suggests a sharp absence of compassion or softness. Imagine a character in a story being brutally confronted by reality—through the loss of a loved one, a devastating betrayal, or a life-threatening situation. The word conveys the raw, painful intensity of their experience.
"Brutally" can modify verbs to describe actions: "The critic brutally dismissed the new film," meaning they gave it a scathing and unforgiving review. It can also describe conditions: "The hikers faced a brutally steep climb," suggesting an incredibly difficult and exhausting ascent.
It is important to note that while "brutally" often carries negative connotations, it doesn't always imply malicious intent. Sometimes something is described as brutal simply because of its intensity or unforgiving nature. A "brutally honest" comment might be painful to hear, but it is often meant to be direct rather than cruel.
The origin lies in the word "brute," evoking images of raw animal force and a lack of refinement. This connection highlights the core meaning: something done brutally is stripped of gentleness, compassion, or subtlety. It is a strong word that emphasizes the harshness and impact of an action, condition, or truth. When you encounter brutally, think of unyielding force, stark honesty, and a lack of softening.
Examples
- 1
Physical attack
He was brutally attacked on his way home.
- 2
Mistreatment
The workers said they had been brutally treated for years.
- 3
Extreme weather
Summers in that city are brutally hot.
- 4
Difficult training
The first month of training was brutally hard.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Direct honesty
She gave me a brutally honest answer.
- Phrasebrutally honest
completely honest in a way that may hurt
- 6
Direct documentary
The documentary is brutally clear about the cost of the war.
- Phrasebrutally clear
very direct and impossible to ignore
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- brutallyadverb