Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a cruel, violent, and harsh manner; savagely: The adverb "brutally" describes an action performed with extreme physical violence, cruelty, or a severe lack of feeling or mercy.
   • In a very direct and harsh way that is upsetting: It can also describe a manner of speaking or acting that is unpleasantly direct, severe, or without consideration for feelings.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The dictator brutally suppressed the rebellion. (The dictator used extreme and savage force to stop the rebellion.)
  • He was brutally honest about her performance. (He was unpleasantly direct and harsh in his criticism of her performance.)
  • The film portrays the realities of war brutally. (The film shows the violent and cruel aspects of war in a very harsh and realistic way.)

Advanced Usage

• "brutally frank/honest": being extremely and uncomfortably direct or truthful.
  • Her review was brutally frank, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
• "brutally simple": extremely and almost harshly straightforward or uncomplicated.
  • The solution to the problem was brutally simple once we saw it.

Variants and Related Words

• Brutal (adjective): savagely violent; punishingly hard or uncomfortable; direct and without any attempt to be pleasant.
  • a brutal murder; a brutal winter; brutal honesty
• Brutality (noun): savage physical violence; cruel and violent behavior.
  • The brutality of the crime shocked the nation.

Synonyms

• Savagely: In a fierce, violent, and cruel manner.
• Viciously: In a cruel or violent manner.
• Mercilessly: Without mercy or pity.
• Ruthlessly: Without pity or compassion for others.

Antonyms

• Gently: In a mild, kind, or soft manner.
• Humanely: In a way that shows compassion or benevolence.
• Kindly: In a kind, warm-hearted, or gentle manner.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Brutally effective: So straightforward and harsh in its method that it achieves its goal with undeniable success.
  • The marketing campaign was brutally effective, doubling sales in a month.
• To lay something out brutally: To explain or present facts in a very stark, direct, and unsoftened way.
  • The report laid out the financial risks brutally.

Adverb

1. in a vicious manner
   • he was viciously attacked