brutality
Brutality refers to behavior that is very cruel, violent, or heartless. It is often used to describe physical violence or the quality of being savage and insensitive to the suffering of others.
Examples
3 of 5The witnesses were shocked by the sheer brutality of the attack in the park.
The witnesses were shocked by the extreme violence of the attack in the park.
The international community condemned the brutality of the regime's crackdown on protesters.
The international community condemned the cruel violence used by the regime against protesters.
I had to stop watching the documentary; the brutality was just too much for me.
I had to stop watching the film because the cruelty shown was overwhelming.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Brute' (a strong, violent beast) and the 'Brutality' (violent actions) he would commit.
Quick Quiz
The protesters marched to demand an end to police _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brutality
Examples
The witnesses were shocked by the sheer brutality of the attack in the park.
everydayThe witnesses were shocked by the extreme violence of the attack in the park.
The international community condemned the brutality of the regime's crackdown on protesters.
formalThe international community condemned the cruel violence used by the regime against protesters.
I had to stop watching the documentary; the brutality was just too much for me.
informalI had to stop watching the film because the cruelty shown was overwhelming.
Scholars have long debated the systemic brutality inherent in colonial expansion.
academicAcademic researchers discuss the organized violence that was part of colonial growth.
The board was criticized for the brutality of the sudden, massive budget cuts.
businessThe directors were criticized for the harsh and insensitive nature of the budget reductions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the brutality of war
the harsh and violent reality of armed conflict
naked brutality
obvious and undisguised violence
unnecessary brutality
violence used when it was not required by the situation
Often Confused With
Brutishness suggests being stupid or animal-like, while brutality specifically focuses on cruelty and violence.
Severity means being strict or harsh, but it does not necessarily imply the physical violence found in brutality.
Usage Notes
Brutality is most commonly used in political or social justice contexts, especially regarding the 'police brutality' debate. It can also be used metaphorically to describe harsh honesty or difficult conditions.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use the non-standard word 'brutalness' instead of the correct noun 'brutality'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Brute' (a strong, violent beast) and the 'Brutality' (violent actions) he would commit.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle French 'brutalité', which comes from the Latin 'brutus', meaning dull, stupid, or heavy (like an animal).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the United States and many other countries, 'police brutality' is a major topic of contemporary political protest and civil rights movements.
Quick Quiz
The protesters marched to demand an end to police _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brutality
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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