Crueler: meaning, definitions and examples

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crueler

[ˈkruːlər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing behavior

Crueler is the comparative form of the adjective cruel. It describes someone or something that exhibits more cruelty than another. This term is often used to characterize actions or behaviors that cause more suffering or pain to others compared to a previous instance or to another being. Cruel acts can be deliberate and may stem from a lack of empathy or compassion. In literature and everyday language, the term is frequently used to highlight a significant increase in harshness or brutality.

Synonyms

more brutal, more callous, more heartless, more savage.

Examples of usage

The bully's behavior became crueler over time.
His remarks were crueler than anyone had expected.
As the competition intensified, the tactics became crueler.
The ruling was seen as crueler than previous penalties.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cruel' comes from the Latin word 'cruelis', which means harsh or severe.
In Old French, the term 'cruel' was used to describe something that caused pain and suffering, showing a long history in language.
The comparative form 'crueler' implies a greater degree of meanness, specifically comparing two people or situations.

Psychology

Studies suggest that cruel behavior can stem from feelings of insecurity or a desire for control over others.
Research has shown that witnessing cruelty can lead to desensitization, making people more likely to tolerate harmful behaviors over time.
Understanding the motivations behind cruel behavior can be vital for promoting empathy and conflict resolution in social settings.

Literature

Crueler characters often embody the conflict between good and evil, driving the story's tension in many classic novels.
In Shakespeare’s plays, cruel behavior is often depicted through tragic characters, showcasing the consequences of their actions.
The theme of cruelty appears in fairy tales, where characters face harsh punishments for their unkindness, reinforcing moral lessons.

Pop Culture

Movies often feature cruel antagonists who challenge the hero, highlighting themes of bravery and resilience.
Reality television sometimes glorifies cruelty, leading to discussions about morality and ethics in entertainment.
Social media has platforms that can amplify cruel remarks, sparking debates on the impact of online behavior on real-life interactions.

Translations

Translations of the word "crueler" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais cruel

🇮🇳 और क्रूर

🇩🇪 grausamer

🇮🇩 lebih kejam

🇺🇦 більш жорстокий

🇵🇱 bardziej okrutny

🇯🇵 より残酷な

🇫🇷 plus cruel

🇪🇸 más cruel

🇹🇷 daha zalim

🇰🇷 더 잔인한

🇸🇦 أكثر قسوة

🇨🇿 krutější

🇸🇰 krutejší

🇨🇳 更残忍的

🇸🇮 bolj krut

🇮🇸 grimmri

🇰🇿 одан да қатыгез

🇬🇪 მეტად სასტიკი

🇦🇿 daha amansız

🇲🇽 más cruel