Word Adverb
cruelly
adv.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈkɹuɫi/ UK /kɹˈuːəlˌi/ cru·el·ly
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.”
Etymology
From Middle English cruelly; equivalent to cruel + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Origin Middle English cruelly
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated