Barbarous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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barbarous
[ˈbɑːrb(ə)rəs ]
Definitions
behavior
Extremely brutal or cruel; savagely violent.
Synonyms
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.
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| cruel |
Applied to individuals or actions that cause intentional harm or suffering to others. It emphasizes the lack of empathy or kindness.
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| inhumane |
Typically describes actions that are lacking in compassion and are often morally unacceptable, especially concerning the treatment of people or animals.
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| 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.
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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.
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'barbarous'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'barbarous' originated from the Latin word 'barbarus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'barbaros' meaning 'foreign' or 'strange'. In ancient times, the Greeks used this term to describe non-Greek speaking people, associating them with uncivilized behavior. Over time, the meaning of 'barbarous' evolved to denote cruelty or savagery, reflecting a negative connotation towards those perceived as uncivilized.