adverb
Uncommon
brutally
Brutally (adverb) means In a savagely violent or cruel way. Example: “The victim was brutally beaten outside the bar.”
adverb
1
In a savagely violent or cruel way.
"The victim was brutally beaten outside the bar."
"The regime brutally suppressed any sign of dissent."
2
Bluntly, without softening the truth.
"He was brutally honest about her chances of getting the part."
"The reviewer was brutally frank about the film's flaws."
How to use brutally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither violently, or with blunt, unsparing honesty.
Common pairings
brutally honest
brutally frank
brutally beaten
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more brutally
- Superlative
- most brutally
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The victim was _____ beaten outside the bar.
Etymology
From brutal plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for brutally
See all rhymes for brutally →Frequently asked questions
What does “brutally” mean?
The word “brutally” means in a savagely violent or cruel way. In plain terms, either violently, or with blunt, unsparing honesty.
How do you use “brutally” in a sentence?
Here is “brutally” used in a sentence: “The victim was brutally beaten outside the bar.”
What part of speech is “brutally”?
“Brutally” is an adverb.
Is “brutally” a common word?
“Brutally” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brutally” have?
“Brutally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a savagely violent or cruel way.
What is the difference between the two meanings of "brutally"?
"Brutally" can describe acting in a savagely violent or cruel way, as in a brutally attacked victim, or it can describe speaking bluntly without softening the truth, as in brutally honest feedback. The intended meaning depends on whether it's paired with physical action or with speech and opinion.
Is it correct to say something was done "brutally" if no violence was involved?
Yes, because "brutally" has a non-violent sense meaning blunt and unsparing, as in "brutally honest" or "brutally frank." In that usage it describes tone or manner rather than physical force.
