Brutish: meaning, definitions and examples

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brutish

 

[ˈbruːtɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

behavioral description

The term 'brutish' refers to behavior that is characteristic of a brute or a savage, often implying a lack of intelligence or refinement. A brutish person may exhibit coarse, cruel, or violent behavior, often resembling that of an animal rather than a human. It can also denote a lack of civility and manners, suggesting a framework of raw, instinctual impulses rather than thoughtful reasoning. A brutish demeanor might instill fear or discomfort in others due to its aggressive or unrefined nature.

Synonyms

brutal, cruel, inhuman, ruthless, savage.

Examples of usage

  • His brutish behavior scared the children.
  • The brutish man took what he wanted without asking.
  • They lived a brutish lifestyle, devoid of any modern comforts.
  • Her brutish attitude made her many enemies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "brutish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brutal

🇮🇳 क्रूर

🇩🇪 brutal

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 жорстокий

🇵🇱 brutalny

🇯🇵 野蛮な

🇫🇷 brutal

🇪🇸 brutal

🇹🇷 vahşi

🇰🇷 잔인한

🇸🇦 همجي

🇨🇿 brutální

🇸🇰 brutálny

🇨🇳 野蛮的

🇸🇮 brutalen

🇮🇸 grimmur

🇰🇿 жорық

🇬🇪 ბარბაროსული

🇦🇿 vəhşi

🇲🇽 brutal

Word Frequency Rank

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