Brute — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈbrüt/

Meaning & Definition of Brute

Brute (adjective)

  1. of or relating to beasts
  2. inanimate
  3. characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct

Brute (noun)

  1. beast
  2. one who lacks intelligence, sensitivity, or compassion, a brutal person

Brute (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others

    "brute attacks on innocent civilians"

  2. having or showing the nature and appetites of a lower animal

    "a man of brute instinct, he deals with conflict the only way he knows how—by physical force"

Brute (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings

    "it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes"

  2. a mean, evil, or unprincipled person

    "leave him alone, you brute!"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Brute

The most common words with a similar meaning to Brute:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Brute

Words with the opposite meaning of Brute:

Near Antonyms of Brute

Origin & Etymology of Brute

Middle English brut "like an animal, not human," borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Latin brūtus "heavy, inert, devoid of intelligence or feeling, brutish," going back to Indo-European *gwr̥h2-u-to-, derivative of a base *gwerh2-u- "heavy" grave:2

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Brute

Frequently Asked Questions about Brute

What does "Brute" mean?

"Brute" means of or relating to beasts. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: of or relating to beasts. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Brute"?

Other words for "Brute" include atrocious, barbaric, barbarous, brutal, butcherly, cruel, fiendish and heartless. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Brute" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Brute"?

There are 162 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Brute". Common alternatives include atrocious, barbaric, barbarous, brutal, butcherly, cruel, fiendish, heartless, inhuman and inhumane.

What is the opposite of "Brute"?

Antonyms of "Brute" include benign, benignant, compassionate, good-hearted, humane, kind, kindhearted and sympathetic. Near antonyms include tender, warm, warmhearted and charitable.

How do you use "Brute" in a sentence?

Examples of "Brute" in a sentence: "brute attacks on innocent civilians"; "a man of brute instinct, he deals with conflict the only way he knows how—by physical force"; "it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes".

Is "Brute" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Brute" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Brute"?

"Brute" is pronounced /ˈbrüt/.

What is the origin of the word "Brute"?

"Brute" comes from Middle English brut "like an animal, not human," borrowed from Middle French, borrowed from Latin brūtus "heavy, inert, devoid of intelligence or feeling, brutish," going back to Indo-European *gwr̥h2-u-to-, derivative of a base *gwerh2-u- "heavy" grave:2. First known use: 15th century.