brutal

bru-tal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Savagely violent or cruel.

  2. 2.

    Harsh and unpleasant; unsparing.

  3. 3.

    (informal) Extremely difficult or unpleasant.

  4. 4.

    Direct and honest in a harsh way.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    brutal honesty — harsh but truthful criticism

Related words

Antonyms: gentle, kind, mild
See also: cruel, harsh, savage
Synonyms: cruel, harsh, savage, vicious

Etymology

From Latin "brutalis" meaning of or belonging to brutes, from "brutus" meaning heavy, dull, or stupid.