Barbarously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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barbarously
[ˈbɑːrbəˌrəsli ]
Definition
manner of action
The term 'barbarously' describes a manner of action that is cruel, savage, or inhumane. It indicates behavior that lacks civilization or refinement, often associated with violence or brutality. When someone acts barbarously, they exhibit a disregard for the norms of civilized behavior, often causing harm or distress to others. This term can be used to describe actions that are shocking or appalling in nature.
Synonyms
brutally, cruelly, inhumanely, savagely.
Examples of usage
- The army treated the prisoners barbarously.
- She was shocked by how he spoke barbarously about his enemies.
- The animals were barbarously mistreated in the captivity.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many classic novels depict characters acting barbarously, often to highlight moral decay or societal breakdown.
- In William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies,' the children exhibit barbarous behavior as civilization breaks down on the island.
- Shakespeare frequently explored themes of barbarity in his plays, contrasting civilized behavior with savage acts, emphasizing moral conflicts.
History
- Throughout history, the term has been used to describe various conquerors and tribes, like the Vikings and Huns, often portrayed as savage in literature.
- The term also appeared in discussions about colonialism, where European powers labeled indigenous populations as 'barbarous' to justify their domination.
- In the context of the French Revolution, actions taken by leaders were at times described as barbarous when they betrayed the revolutionary ideals.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate the concept of barbarity, questioning whether it is an inherent trait in humans or a result of societal influence.
- The social contract theory posits that without societal rules, human behavior can become barbarous, revealing our natural impulses.
- Existentialists argue that in the absence of meaning, chaos can lead individuals to act barbarously, abandoning ethics for survival.
Psychology
- Studies show that when individuals feel powerless or disenfranchised, they might act barbarously as a means of reclaiming control.
- Aggression and violence can sometimes stem from unresolved trauma, leading individuals to exhibit barbarous behavior despite their upbringing.
- Group dynamics can amplify barbarous acts as individuals dehumanize others, often seen in cases of mob mentality.
Origin of 'barbarously'
Main points about word origin
- 'Barbarously' comes from the word 'barbarian,' which originally described people from outside the Roman Empire, thought to be uncivilized.
- The Latin root 'barbarus' meant 'foreign' or 'strange,' showing how it relates to those perceived as different or uncultured.
- The use of the term has evolved over centuries but often retains a connotation of cruelty or lack of refinement.
The word 'barbarously' originates from the adjective 'barbarous,' which is derived from the Latin word 'barbarus,' meaning foreign or strange, and the Greek word 'barbaros,' which referred to non-Greek speakers. Historically, 'barbarian' described people who were considered uncivilized by the Greeks and Romans. Over time, the meaning of 'barbarous' evolved to imply cruelty and a lack of civilization rather than simply foreignness. The suffix '-ly' transforms the adjective into an adverb, thus allowing the word to describe how actions are performed in a way that reflects barbarism. The connotation of the word has remained strong, often used in literary and historical contexts to highlight the extremes of human behavior.