Brutish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• In Shakespeare's works, characters labeled as brutish often embody raw, uncontrolled emotions and instincts, serving as foils to more civilized characters.
• Early 20th-century literature often portrays brutish characters as reflections of societal fears about degeneration and loss of civility.
• Modern fantasy genres often feature brutish creatures, symbolizing the untamed natural world against refined societies.

Psychology

• Behavior deemed brutish may reflect underlying psychological issues, such as aggression or impulse control problems.
• Studies show that environments lacking social cohesion can lead to increased brutish behavior, indicating the role of context in shaping actions.
• Some psychologists argue that brutish actions can stem from a fear response, where individuals resort to aggression when feeling threatened.

Pop Culture

• In many action films, brutish characters often serve as antagonists, representing physical strength without intellect.
• Animated films often depict brutish characters with exaggerated features to emphasize their lack of sophistication or grace.
• Brutish behavior is often satirized in cartoons, where characters who act without thought are shown facing humorous consequences.

History

• In historical texts, brutish behavior is often associated with primitive societies, wherein survival necessitated ruthless actions.
• The concept of the 'noble savage' opposes the idea of brutishness, arguing that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society.
• The portrayal of brutish figures in early civilizations often served to justify social hierarchies, depicting lower classes as cruel and unrefined.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'brutish' originates from the Latin 'brutus,' meaning 'heavy' and 'dull', highlighting the animalistic qualities associated with the term.
• Its use in English dates back to the 15th century, often used to describe cruel or savage behavior.
• The term is linked to 'brute,' which is often used to describe someone or something acting without reason.

The word 'brutish' originates from the late Middle English term 'brutish,' which is derived from the word 'brute.' The term 'brute' itself comes from the Latin 'brutus,' meaning heavy, dull, or insensible. Historically, 'brute' was used to describe animals, denoting a lack of reason or intelligence. Over time, 'brutish' emerged to describe human behavior that mimics these animalistic traits, often highlighting an absence of civilization and refinement. The evolution of the word reflects societal views on human nature and the distinction between civilized behavior and more instinctual, raw actions. In literature and discourse, 'brutish' has frequently been used to critique characters or societal behaviors perceived as uncivilized or excessively aggressive.

At rank #25,171, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 25168 condominiums
• 25169 plinth
• 25170 centralizing
• 25171 brutish
• 25172 demoted
• 25173 seamlessly
• 25174 mendicant
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