Barbarous: meaning, definitions and examples

🗡️

Add to dictionary

barbarous

[ˈbɑːrb(ə)rəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Extremely brutal or cruel; savagely violent.

Synonyms

cruel, inhumane, savage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barbarous	Used to describe actions or behavior that are extremely brutal and uncivilized. It is often used in historical or literary contexts to depict cruel and primitive societies. The barbarous practice of ancient wars horrified modern observers. The villagers were subjected to barbarous treatment by the invading forces.
cruel	Applied to individuals or actions that cause intentional harm or suffering to others. It emphasizes the lack of empathy or kindness. It was cruel of him to mock her in front of everyone. The cruel treatment of animals in the circus sparked public outrage.
inhumane	Typically describes actions that are lacking in compassion and are often morally unacceptable, especially concerning the treatment of people or animals. The conditions in the refugee camp were described as inhumane. Torturing prisoners was considered an inhumane practice.
savage	Used to describe something fierce, violent, and uncontrolled. It can refer to both people and actions and often has a slightly wild connotation. Can also be used in a neutral or positive sense to mean extremely intense. The savage attack left the community in fear. He delivered a savage critique of the government's policies. The band's performance was absolutely savage, in the best way possible.

Examples of usage

His barbarous treatment of the prisoners shocked the world.
The barbarous dictator ruled with an iron fist.
She couldn't believe the barbarous act of violence she witnessed.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

language

Uncivilized or primitive in culture, customs, or behavior.

Synonyms

primitive, savage, uncivilized.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barbarous	This word is often used to describe actions, behaviors, or customs that are extremely cruel, brutal, or lacking in humanity. It has a strong negative connotation. The barbarous acts of the war left the town in ruins It was barbarous to treat prisoners that way
uncivilized	This word describes behaviors or societies that are seen as lacking culture, refinement, or proper social behaviors. It has a negative connotation and can be offensive when describing people or cultures. He was criticized for his uncivilized manners at the formal event The explorers encountered what they considered uncivilized tribes
primitive	This word is typically used to describe something that is from an early stage of development, technology, or culture. It is not necessarily negative but can imply simplicity or lack of advancement. The tools they used were primitive, yet effective Early humans had a primitive way of life
savage	This word is often used to describe something that is violently fierce, uncontrolled, or wild. It has a strong negative connotation and can be offensive when used to describe people. The predator launched a savage attack on its prey The villagers were afraid of the savage animal that roamed the forest

Examples of usage

The barbarous tribes lived in the remote mountains.
They were shocked by the barbarous customs of the indigenous people.
The language used by the ancient barbarous societies was very different from modern languages.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'barbaros,' meaning 'foreigner' or 'one who speaks an unknown language,' which sounded like gibberish to the Greeks.
In Roman times, 'barbarous' described those outside the empire, often viewed as uncivilized or savage.
Over time, the meaning shifted to include behaviors considered cruel or brutal, distancing itself from nationality.

Literature

William Shakespeare used the term in several plays, often to depict characters who commit heinous acts.
In Victorian literature, it marked the contrast between the 'civilized' society and the 'barbarous' actions of characters in works like 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad.
It often appears in discussions of historical atrocities, emphasizing the gap between humanity and cruelty.

History

During the Middle Ages, Europeans often labeled non-Christian peoples as 'barbarous,' reflecting their ethnocentric views.
The Age of Exploration saw explorers use 'barbarous' to describe indigenous peoples, ignoring their own rich cultures.
The term 'barbarous' became prominent in the discourse of colonialism, often justifying imperialist endeavors under the guise of 'civilizing' societies.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Rousseau debated the concept of the 'noble savage,' suggesting that some 'barbarous' societies were actually more in touch with humanity than civilized cultures.
This idea challenged the notion that civilization inherently led to better morals and values.
It raises questions about the nature of humanity and the fine line between civilization and savagery.

Psychology

Studies have shown that individuals sometimes label others as 'barbarous' when encountering behaviors that challenge their norms.
This labeling can lead to a bias where societies view harsh actions in a vacuum, forgetting the context of behavior.
Understanding the psychological aspects of cruelty can help uncover why some individuals or societies resort to 'barbarous' actions when facing threats or challenges.

Translations

Translations of the word "barbarous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bárbaro

🇮🇳 बर्बर

🇩🇪 barbarisch

🇮🇩 barbar

🇺🇦 варварський

🇵🇱 barbarzyński

🇯🇵 野蛮な (yaban na)

🇫🇷 barbare

🇪🇸 bárbaro

🇹🇷 barbar

🇰🇷 야만적인 (yamanjeog-in)

🇸🇦 همجي

🇨🇿 barbarský

🇸🇰 barbarský

🇨🇳 野蛮的 (yěmán de)

🇸🇮 barbarski

🇮🇸 villimannslegur

🇰🇿 варварлық

🇬🇪 ბარბაროსული

🇦🇿 barbar

🇲🇽 bárbaro

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,131, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11128 landmark
11129 plaque
11130 updates
11131 barbarous
11132 elemental
11133 stratified
11134 helper
...