ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brute

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɹut// UK //bɹˈuːt// brute Archaic

n. a person who uses physical strength or force instead of intelligence or kindness. You use this word to describe someone who is rough, aggressive, or lacks refinement.

n. a person characterized by physical strength, aggression, or a lack of intellectual or social refinement. Often implies a reliance on force rather than reason.


SIMPLE

The giant was a huge, scary brute.

CONTEXTUAL

He solved the problem with brute force rather than careful planning.

COMPLEX

The novel contrasts the refined scholar with the uneducated brute, highlighting the tension between intellect and raw power in Victorian society.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French brut, from Old French brut, from Latin brūtus (“dull, stupid, insensible”), an Oscan loanword, from Proto-Indo-European *gʷréh₂us (“heavy”). Cognate with Ancient Greek βαρύς (barús), Persian گران (gerân) and Sanskrit गुरु (gurú) (English guru).

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