cruel (/ˈkruː.əl/)

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adjective  ·  Intermediate  ·  Adjectives

🔊 /ˈkruː.əl/

Meaning

Meaning: harsh, unkind

Willing to cause pain or suffering to others without feeling sorry.

Examples

🗣 It was cruel of him to mock the boy who could not read aloud.

Etymology

From Latin ‘crudelis’ (hard-hearted), via Old French in the 13th century.

How & Where It’s Used

Describes deliberate harshness toward people or animals.

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Tags: character, negative

← English Dictionary