French word

brutal

Pronunciation

IPA/bʁytal/

Meaning

  • adjectiveviolent

Example

Il a été brutal avec moi.

He was violent toward me.

Illustration for brutal (violent)

More examples

Il a reçu un coup brutal.

He received a brutal blow.

Core concept

An unsoftened impact that can make conduct harsh or make change feel sudden and severe.

Common phrases

  • acte brutal

    brutal act

  • comportement brutal

    brutal behavior

  • choc brutal

    violent shock

Similar words

violent: Involving powerful force, impact, or violently intense movement.
cruel: Showing no hesitation about inflicting pain, suffering, or damage.
dur: Severely harsh, with little allowance for comfort or relief.
sévère: Extremely strict in standards, decisions, or disciplinary measures.

Definition in French

Qui manifeste une violence ou une dureté marquée, sans douceur ni précaution.

Word origin

The French adjective brutal was formed from Latin brutus, meaning crude or dull, with the suffix -al and later passed through Old French.

Usage tips

  • The plural masculine form brutaux is pronounced like /bʁyto/, unlike singular masculine brutal.

Other meanings

  • severeadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word