Savagely: meaning, definitions and examples

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savagely

[ˈsævɪdʒli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a brutal or fierce manner

Savagely means in a brutal or fierce manner. It is often used to describe violent or aggressive actions. The word implies a lack of mercy or compassion towards the subject of the action.

Synonyms

brutally, ferociously, viciously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
savagely	Used when describing an action that is wild, primal, and uncontrolled, often with a sense of intense anger or aggression. The dog savagely attacked the intruder. The storm savagely battered the coast.
brutally	Appropriate for describing actions that are harsh, severe, and often physical, with a strong emphasis on cruelty. This term often carries a negative connotation. The soldiers brutally suppressed the uprising. He was brutally honest about her mistakes.
ferociously	Best used when describing actions that are fierce, intense, and driven by a strong, often violent force. The tiger roared ferociously at the intruders. She worked ferociously to meet the deadline.
viciously	Ideal for describing actions done with intense cruelty, malice, and a desire to cause harm. This word also carries a negative connotation. The gang viciously attacked the passerby. The critics viciously panned the new movie.

Examples of usage

He attacked savagely, leaving no chance for his opponent to defend.
The wild animal growled savagely, warning anyone who dared to approach.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a harsh or cruel manner

Savagely can also mean in a harsh or cruel manner. It is used to describe actions that are unkind, severe, or lacking in empathy. This usage often conveys a sense of negativity or disapproval.

Synonyms

cruelly, harshly, unkindly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
savagely	Used to describe an action that is fierce and violent, often in a wild or uncontrolled manner. The wolves attacked the deer savagely
harshly	Used for actions or words that are severe, strict, or unkind. It can refer to both physical actions and verbal expressions, and it generally suggests a lack of gentleness or kindness. The teacher spoke harshly to the student
cruelly	Implying an action done with a desire to cause pain or suffering, often with a sense of pleasure or without any feeling of guilt. This word has a clear negative connotation. He treated his employees cruelly
unkindly	Describes behavior that is not pleasant, considerate, or friendly, without necessarily being extremely cruel. It carries a negative connotation but is less intense than 'cruelly'. She responded unkindly to his request

Examples of usage

She criticized him savagely, leaving him feeling dejected.
The punishment was handed out savagely, without any consideration for the circumstances.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'savagus,' which means 'wild' or 'untamed.'
It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially used to describe unruly behavior.
Over time, 'savage' evolved to describe not just wildness but also extreme intensity, whether in actions or emotions.

Literature

In literature, authors often use 'savagely' to emphasize a character's brutal nature or fierce emotional outbursts.
Classic novels, like William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies,' use the term to illustrate the descent into chaos among civilized individuals.
Cultural works frequently portray savagery as a contrast to civilization, adding depth to character conflicts and moral questions.

Psychology

Some psychological theories suggest that 'savagely' can describe instinctual behaviors stemming from primal urges.
Behaviors described as 'savage' can be linked to survival mechanisms, where aggression is seen as necessary for protection.
Exploring savagery in humans can lead to discussions on social norms and what drives people to act violently.

Pop Culture

'Savagely' has been popularized in modern slang, often used to describe someone delivering a sharp, witty comeback.
Reality shows and talent competitions often showcase moments deemed 'savage' for dramatic effect, engaging audiences with fierce competition.
In music and rap culture, 'savagery' can depict a sense of empowerment, where artists embrace a bold persona.

History

Historical accounts often describe battles fought 'savagely,' illustrating the brutality of warfare in different cultures.
Colonial narratives sometimes depicted indigenous peoples' resistance as 'savage,' reflecting biased perspectives from the colonizers.
In the context of animal behavior, nature documentaries show predators hunting 'savagely' to survive, emphasizing the harsh realities of life.

Translations

Translations of the word "savagely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 selvagemente

🇮🇳 निर्दयता से

🇩🇪 wild

🇮🇩 dengan ganas

🇺🇦 жорстоко

люто
дикою

🇵🇱 dziko

🇯🇵 野蛮に

🇫🇷 sauvagement

🇪🇸 salvajemente

🇹🇷 vahşice

🇰🇷 야만적으로

🇸🇦 بهمجية

🇨🇿 divoce

🇸🇰 divoko

🇨🇳 野蛮地

🇸🇮 divje

🇮🇸 villimannslega

🇰🇿 жыртқыштықпен

🇬🇪 ველურად

🇦🇿 vəhşicəsinə

🇲🇽 salvajemente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,297, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20294 furthered
20295 abducted
20296 germinal
20297 savagely
20298 pulsing
20299 patchy
20300 harmoniously
...