ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brutal

adj.
US //ˈbɹutəɫ// UK //bɹˈuːtəl// bru·tal
  1. 1 violent and cruel (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    extremely violent, cruel, or heartless.

    characterised by extreme violence, ruthlessness, or a total lack of humanity.

    Example

    The dictator was known for his brutal treatment of anyone who disagreed with him.

    Example

    The documentary provided a brutal account of the conflict, refusing to look away from the suffering of the civilian population.
  2. 2 harsh or difficult (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very unpleasant, difficult, or severe.

    extremely harsh, unrelenting, or physically demanding.

    Example

    The runners struggled to finish the race in the brutal summer heat.

    Example

    The winter was brutal, with record-breaking snowfall and temperatures that remained below freezing for several consecutive weeks.
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  1. 3 uncomfortably honest (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    direct and honest in a way that might hurt someone's feelings.

    direct and lacking any attempt to disguise or soften unpleasant truths.

    Example

    I need you to be brutal and tell me if this book is actually good.

    Example

    The critic's review was brutal, dismantling the director's artistic choices with clinical and unforgiving precision.
  2. 4 heavy metal music (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Music

    used to describe music that is very fast, loud, and heavy.

    describing extreme metal music characterised by high-speed percussion and dense, complex guitar riffs.

    Example

    The band's new album features some of the most brutal drumming I have ever heard.

    Example

    Fans of the genre praised the track for its brutal technicality and the sheer wall of sound created by the distorted guitars.
Origin

From Medieval Latin brutalis (“savage, stupid”), from Latin brūtus (“dull, stupid”).

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