abandon
EnglishMerriam-Webster DictionaryPhrases
EnglishMerriam-Webster DictionaryNear Antonyms
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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 forceRelated Words
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined abovebrute
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : of or relating to beasts //the ways of the brute world
- : inanimate sense 1a //a brute object
- : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: such as: not working by reason //brute instinct
- : purely physical //brute strength //brute force
- : unrelievedly harsh //brute facts //brute necessity
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
atrocious barbaric barbarous brutal butcherly cruel fiendish heartless inhuman inhumane sadistic savage truculent vicious wantonSynonyms: Noun
animal beast beastie creature critterAntonyms: Adjective
benign benignant compassionate good-hearted humane kind kindhearted sympathetic tenderheartedExamples
Adjective
- //They used brute force to open the door.
- //the brute fact of getting old
Noun
- //Let go of me, you brute!
- //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutes
History and Etymology
Adjective
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" — more at grave entry 2NOTE: Latin brūtus, with b- representing Indo-European *gw-, is taken to be a loan from another Italic language, presumably Oscan. The literal sense "heavy" was largely lost, though compare brūtum pondus "dead weight" in Lucretius, and the grammarian Festus's comment that "the ancients said brutus for gravis ['heavy']" ("brutum antiqui gravem dicebant").
Noun
derivative of brute entry 1, perhaps after Medieval Latin brūtum "brute animal"brute
noun
Synonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings //it is a fundamental sense of right and wrong that separates us from the brutesRelated Words
- a mean, evil, or unprincipled person //leave him alone, you brute!SynonymsRelated Words
adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)
- having or showing the desire to inflict severe pain and suffering on others //brute attacks on innocent civiliansSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous PhrasesNear Antonyms
- 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