brutal
/ˈbruːtl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbruːtl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbrü-tᵊl/ (ame, mw)
brutal — adjective
1. extremely violent and merciless, causing pain or fear with no sign of pity.
extremely violent and merciless, causing pain or fear with no sign of pity.
News reports described a brutal attack outside the train station at dawn.
brutal + attack
The brutal guards kicked the prisoner again after he fell.
Villagers hid in the school when brutal soldiers entered the valley.
The film's brutal murder scene made several viewers leave early.
Even the gang feared the leader's brutal beatings for small mistakes.
- humane
showing kindness and care for suffering
- compassionate
feeling and showing pity for others
文法句型
brutal + noun
be brutal to + person
brutal toward + group
用法筆記
Often used for attacks, killings, punishments, or regimes. Stronger than 'cruel' in many contexts because it often suggests physical violence as well as lack of pity.
2. so plain and hard in the way it is said that people may feel hurt or shocked.
so plain and hard in the way it is said that people may feel hurt or shocked.
Tomas sent a brutal text after Priya asked why she was leaving.
brutal + text
The coach was brutal about our weak defense after the final.
be brutal about + topic
At lunch, Mei gave a brutal answer when Owen asked for feedback.
Brutal honesty from the doctor left the family silent in the hallway.
The editor's brutal note, 'This chapter is boring,' made Leila shut her laptop.
- tactful
careful not to upset people
- diplomatic
careful and skillful in sensitive situations
文法句型
brutal + noun
be brutal about + topic
be brutal with + person
用法筆記
Usually modifies words for speech or judgment, such as honesty, answer, review, or truth. Common with 'about' for the topic and 'with' for the person receiving the words.
常見錯誤
3. extremely hard, unpleasant, or damaging to experience or deal with.
extremely hard, unpleasant, or damaging to experience or deal with.
The desert heat turned brutal by noon, and the water ran low.
brutal + heat
Monday's math exam was brutal for students who had worked late.
brutal + exam
After the storm, bus riders faced a brutal trip across the city.
The team suffered a brutal 6-0 defeat in front of home fans.
Carrying two suitcases up six floors was a brutal start to moving day.
文法句型
brutal + noun
be brutal
brutal for + person
用法筆記
Often used for heat, schedules, losses, exams, or journeys. Distinguish from sense 1, which focuses on violence and cruelty, and from sense 2, which focuses on harsh words.