Cruel Meaning and Definition
Cruel
Pronunciation
/kruːəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Having or showing a cruel or unjust desire to cause pain or suffering; wicked or ruthless.
Examples
- The cruel dictator ruled with an iron fist.
- She was known for her cruel words and actions.
Synonyms
- Heartless
- Barbarous
- Cold-blooded
Antonyms
- Kind
- Compassionate
- Merciful
Etymology
The word “cruel” has its roots in Old French, derived from the Latin word “cruellus”, meaning “fierce” or “pitiless”.
Usage Notes
Cruel is often used to describe behavior that is harsh, unkind, or sadistic. It can also be used to describe natural disasters or events that cause harm.
Cultural References
In the novel “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, the character Jack Merridew is portrayed as a cruel and savage individual.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Cruel to be kind” is an idiomatic expression that means doing something harsh or unkind for someone’s own good.
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related in meaning or usage include merciless, brutal, and inhumane.
Collocations
Common collocations include “cruel fate”, “cruel irony”, and “cruel joke”.
Frequency of Use
The word “cruel” is relatively common in modern language, particularly in the context of discussing societal issues or criticizing unjust behavior.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings include “crueal” and “cruelie”.