Brutish: meaning, definitions and examples
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brutish
[ˈbruːtɪʃ ]
Definition
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
- bárbaro
- cruel
🇮🇳 क्रूर
- जंगली
- भद्र
🇩🇪 brutal
- wild
- ungezogen
🇮🇩 kasar
- biadab
- kejam
🇺🇦 жорстокий
- грубий
- дикарський
🇵🇱 brutalny
- dziki
- okrutny
🇯🇵 野蛮な
- 残酷な
- 粗野な
🇫🇷 brutal
- barbare
- cruel
🇪🇸 brutal
- bárbaro
- cruel
🇹🇷 vahşi
- kaba
- zalim
🇰🇷 잔인한
- 야만적인
- 무례한
🇸🇦 همجي
- وحشي
- قاسي
🇨🇿 brutální
- divoký
- krutý
🇸🇰 brutálny
- divoký
- krutý
🇨🇳 野蛮的
- 残忍的
- 粗俗的
🇸🇮 brutalen
- divji
- krut
🇮🇸 grimmur
- villur
- óþekktur
🇰🇿 жорық
- жасыл
- жерма
🇬🇪 ბარბაროსული
- კრიცხვითი
- მოღალატე
🇦🇿 vəhşi
- kobud
- zorak
🇲🇽 brutal
- bárbaro
- cruel
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.
- ...
- 25168 condominiums
- 25169 plinth
- 25170 centralizing
- 25171 brutish
- 25172 demoted
- 25173 seamlessly
- 25174 mendicant
- ...