brute Definition
- 1a savagely violent person or animal
- 2lacking in intelligence or sensitivity
Using brute: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "brute" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The brute attacked the hiker without provocation.
Example
He was known for his brute strength and intimidating presence.
Example
The dictator ruled with brute force and violence.
Example
She couldn't stand his brute insensitivity towards her feelings.
brute Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using brute
a brute squad
a group of people who use physical force or intimidation to achieve their goals
Example
The dictator had a brute squad that he used to suppress dissent.
brute strength
physical strength without finesse or skill
Example
The wrestler relied on brute strength to overpower his opponents.
lower the brutes
to reduce someone to the level of a savage or uncivilized person
Example
The prison system is often criticized for lowering the inmates to the level of brutes.
Phrases with brute
Example
It's a brute fact that the earth revolves around the sun.
brute force
using physical strength or violence to achieve something
Example
The thief used brute force to break into the safe.
brute nature
the inherent qualities of an animal or person that are savage, uncontrolled, or lacking in refinement
Example
The novel explores the conflict between civilization and brute nature.
Origins of brute
from Latin 'brutus', meaning 'dull, stupid'
Summary: brute in Brief
The term 'brute' [bruːt] refers to a violent or unintelligent person or animal. It can describe a person's lack of sensitivity, as in 'She couldn't stand his brute insensitivity towards her feelings.' 'Brute' also has idiomatic uses such as 'brute force,' which means using physical strength or violence to achieve something, and 'lower the brutes,' which means to reduce someone to the level of a savage or uncivilized person.