Word
cruelly
Phoneticscru·el·ly
US/ˈkɹuɫi/
UK/kɹˈuːəlˌi/
Definition
adv. in a way that is very unfair, mean, or causes a lot of pain. You use this to describe someone who treats others badly on purpose.
adv. in a manner that is intentionally harsh, unfair, or causes unnecessary suffering. Often used to modify verbs related to treatment, punishment, or natural forces.
Examples
“The wind blew cruelly against the small boat.”
“The manager treated his employees cruelly, often making them work extra hours without any extra pay.”
“The winter storm cruelly stripped the valley of its remaining crops, leaving the local farmers with nothing to sell at the market.”
Examples
simple
“The wind blew cruelly against the small boat.”
contextual
“The manager treated his employees cruelly, often making them work extra hours without any extra pay.”
complex
“The winter storm cruelly stripped the valley of its remaining crops, leaving the local farmers with nothing to sell at the market.”
Real-World Examples
“Yet if it hoped to profit from the fighting, it was cruelly mistaken.” “As one mate cruelly framed my chances: “Your glasses will break on the first day, and then you’ll be screwed.” Joke’s on him; I never thought I’d be good.” Etymology
From Middle English cruelly; equivalent to cruel + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cruelly