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Cruellest: meaning, definitions and examples

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cruellest

 

[ ˈkruːəlɪst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

degree of cruelty

The term 'cruellest' is the superlative form of the adjective 'cruel', which describes an extreme level of unkindness or brutality. It denotes the highest degree of cruelty, often implying actions or behaviors that cause significant suffering to others. This word is frequently used to emphasize the severity of someone's actions in a context that evokes strong emotional responses. The cruellest actions are often those that seem senseless or without justification.

Synonyms

harshest, most brutal, most heartless, most inhumane, most vicious

Examples of usage

  • He was the cruellest of all the bullies.
  • The cruellest punishment was reserved for traitors.
  • She faced the cruellest criticism over her decision.
  • In history, some of the cruellest rulers have been forgotten.

Translations

Translations of the word "cruellest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais cruel

🇮🇳 सबसे क्रूर

🇩🇪 der grausamste

🇮🇩 paling kejam

🇺🇦 найсуворіший

🇵🇱 najokrutniejszy

🇯🇵 最も残酷な

🇫🇷 le plus cruel

🇪🇸 el más cruel

🇹🇷 en acımasız

🇰🇷 가장 잔인한

🇸🇦 الأكثر قسوة

🇨🇿 nejkrutější

🇸🇰 najkrutejší

🇨🇳 最残忍的

🇸🇮 najokrutnejši

🇮🇸 grimmsti

🇰🇿 ең қатыгез

🇬🇪 ყველაზე სასტიკი

🇦🇿 ən amansız

🇲🇽 el más cruel

Etymology

The word 'cruel' has its roots in the Latin word 'cruelis', meaning 'of or belonging to a heart not feeling' or 'severe'. This, in turn, is derived from the verb 'crudere', which means 'to pierce' or 'to cause pain'. The evolution of the term reflects a long history of human behavior and the perception of cruelty in social contexts. The superlative form 'cruellest' emerged in Middle English, denoting the utmost degree of cruelty one can exhibit. Throughout history, the concept of cruelty has been pivotal in literature, politics, and moral philosophy, often serving as a cornerstone in discussions about ethics and human behavior. Notably, cruelty is frequently associated with power dynamics, especially in the context of tyrants, war leaders, and oppressive regimes. As language evolved, so did the implications of cruelty, often serving as a reflection of societal values and norms.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,110, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.