French Conversation · Level 125
55 words
French word
brute
Pronunciation
IPA/bʁyt/
Meaning
- feminine nounbully
Example
Ne parle pas à cette brute.
Don't talk to that bully.
More examples
Elle a repoussé la brute sans hésiter.
She pushed the brute away without hesitation.
Core concept
A violent, uncouth person whose strength overwhelms others and whose behavior lacks basic gentleness.
Common phrases
une brute
a brute
se comporter comme une brute
behave like a brute
Similar words
voyou: A rough person involved in violence or wrongdoing.
agresseur: A person who uses violence to harm another person.
bagarreur: A person who enjoys fighting and often starts quarrels.
Definition in French
Personne qui use de la force physique et se comporte de façon violente ou grossière.
Word origin
The French noun brute developed from the adjective brut, inherited through Old French from Latin brutus, which described something heavy, dull, or lacking refinement.
Usage tips
- Brute is strongly insulting in French, so violent or agressif is often more neutral when describing behavior rather than condemning a person.
Other meanings
- thugnoun
- beastnoun
Opposites
- gentillessekindnessnoun
- courtoisiecourtesynoun