C1adjective 2K

Brutal

🇬🇧 UK //ˈbruːtəl// 🇺🇸 US //ˈbruːtəl//

Meaning of Brutal

Extremely harsh or cruel in manner or action.

In simple words: Very cruel or harsh.

Brutal in a sentence

• The brutal winter left many homeless.
• He faced brutal criticism for his decision.
• The movie depicted the brutal realities of war.
• Her brutal honesty often hurt people's feelings.
• The athletes endured brutal training regimes to prepare for the competition.

How to use Brutal

Used primarily in neutral contexts to describe extreme situations, behaviors, or conditions. Avoid using in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'brute' – an aggressive animal that is very harsh.

Related words

Collocations with Brutal

• brutal attack
• brutal truth
• brutal conditions
• brutal honesty
• brutal reality

Synonyms for Brutal

• cruel
• savage
• ruthless
• harsh
• violent

Opposites of Brutal

• gentle
• kind
• tender

Common mistakes with Brutal

• Confusing with 'brutalize' as a verb; remember 'brutal' is an adjective.
• Using it in a humorous context where seriousness is intended.
• Translating it directly to less intense words like 'tough' or 'hard'.

Frequently asked questions about Brutal

What does Brutal mean?

Very cruel or harsh.

What is the definition of Brutal?

Extremely harsh or cruel in manner or action.

How do you use Brutal in a sentence?

The brutal winter left many homeless.

Can you give another example of Brutal?

He faced brutal criticism for his decision.

What are synonyms for Brutal?

Common alternatives include cruel, savage, ruthless, harsh, violent.

What is the opposite of Brutal?

Opposite meanings include gentle, kind, tender.

What words go with Brutal?

It commonly pairs with brutal attack, brutal truth, brutal conditions, brutal honesty, brutal reality.

What are common mistakes when using Brutal?

Confusing with 'brutalize' as a verb; remember 'brutal' is an adjective. Using it in a humorous context where seriousness is intended. Translating it directly to less intense words like 'tough' or 'hard'.

How do you pronounce Brutal?

US: //ˈbruːtəl//, UK: //ˈbruːtəl//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Brutal?

Used primarily in neutral contexts to describe extreme situations, behaviors, or conditions. Avoid using in overly casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Brutal?

"Brutal" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.