Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being cruel: "Cruelness" refers to the characteristic of deliberately causing pain, suffering, or distress to others, or showing a callous indifference to it. It implies a disposition towards inflicting harm or showing no mercy.

Usage

• "Cruelness" is a formal noun used to describe an abstract quality or trait. It is often used in discussions of behavior, character, or actions, particularly in moral, ethical, or literary contexts. It is synonymous with "cruelty" but is less commonly used in modern English.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The cruelness of his words left her deeply wounded. (The quality of being cruel in his words caused her emotional pain.)
  • History books often document the cruelness of certain rulers. (They record the quality of being cruel exhibited by those rulers.)
  • She was shocked by the sheer cruelness of the act. (She was shocked by the extreme quality of being cruel inherent in the act.)

Advanced Usage

• "with cruelness": in a manner characterized by cruelty.
  • He executed his plan with a cold, calculated cruelness. (He carried out his plan in a manner showing deliberate, unemotional cruelty.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cruel (adj): having a desire to cause suffering, or enjoying the suffering of others.
  • a cruel remark (a remark intended to cause hurt)
• Cruelty (n): cruel behavior or a cruel act. This is the more common noun form.
  • an act of great cruelty (a very cruel act)
• Cruelly (adv): in a cruel manner.
  • He was treated cruelly. (He was treated in a cruel way.)

Synonyms

• Cruelty: The practice of causing pain or suffering.
• Brutality: Savage physical violence or cruelty.
• Savage: Fierce, violent, and uncontrolled cruelty.
• Heartlessness: Lack of sympathy or feeling for others.
• Mercilessness: Showing no mercy or pity.

Antonyms

• Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
• Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others.
• Mercy: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.
• Humanity: The quality of being humane; benevolence.

Noun

1. the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance