Beastly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
beastly
[หbiหstli ]
Definition
behavior description
The term 'beastly' is often used to describe behavior that is savage, brutal, or lacking in civilized qualities. It may refer to actions that are cruel or inhumane, suggesting an absence of empathy or moral consideration. Additionally, this word can be used informally to imply something very unpleasant or ghastly. It can also be used to describe someone who is behaving in a wildly inappropriate or unruly manner.
Synonyms
barbaric, brutal, cruel, inhuman, savage.
Examples of usage
- His beastly behavior in the meeting shocked everyone.
- The beastly weather ruined our picnic plans.
- She described the movie as beastly in its portrayal of violence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The term 'beastly' is often used in movies and books to describe creatures that are frightening or monstrous.
- In the film 'Beauty and the Beast', the Beast embodies the complexity of the 'beastly' nature, showing both fear and compassion.
- The 'Beastly' 2011 movie adaptation of the classic tale features high school themes interwoven with the concept of attractiveness and inner beauty.
Psychology
- Describing behavior as 'beastly' can reflect a person's inner emotions, hinting they might feel angry or scared.
- The concept can be used to discuss human instincts and primal behavior that surface under stress.
- In some therapeutic settings, talking about 'beastly' feelings can help children express their fears or frustrations.
Literature
- Charles Dickens often used 'beastly' to describe the harsh conditions of society and the behavior of its characters.
- In 'Frankenstein', the creature is depicted as 'beastly', highlighting themes of loneliness and rejection.
- Shakespeareโs works reflect animalistic traits in characters through descriptors like 'beastly', showing their more raw emotions and actions.
Environmental Science
- The term can also describe harsh, damaging conditions in nature, like 'beastly' weather during storms.
- In discussions about animal behavior, 'beastly' can refer to survival instincts in the wild.
- Scientists sometimes use metaphorical language like 'beastly' to describe invasive species that disrupt ecosystems.
Origin of 'beastly'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'beast', referring to an animal or something wild.
- In the 14th century, 'beastly' meant 'animal-like' or 'savage', emphasizing a lack of humanity.
- The word evolved to describe not only animals but also very rude or ugly behavior.
The word 'beastly' originated from the Middle English term 'beastli', which is derived from the Old French word 'bestial', itself rooted in the Latin 'bestialis', meaning 'pertaining to beasts'. The term 'bestialis' comes from 'bestia', which is Latin for 'beast' or 'animal'. The use of 'beastly' in English dates back to the 14th century, initially referring to characteristics or behaviors that were considered befitting of a beast, usually linked to cruelty or savagery. Over time, the meaning expanded to encompass any behavior that one might consider grotesquely unpleasant or morally reprehensible, evolving into an informal expression used to convey disgust or disapproval. The word reflects deep cultural perceptions of what it means to be human versus animalistic, often highlighting the struggle between civilized behavior and primal instincts.