Brutal vs. Cruel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
Brutal often implies savagery and lack of emotion, while Cruel implies deliberate infliction of pain or suffering.
Key Differences
Brutal generally describes actions, conditions, or individuals that are harsh, unfeeling, or violent. It suggests a lack of emotion or consideration, often associated with raw force or violence. Cruel, on the other hand, implies a wish or intent to cause pain, distress, or suffering, whether physical or emotional.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
A Brutal act doesn't necessarily mean there was intent to harm, but rather that the action itself was severe or harsh. For instance, a brutal winter doesn't "intend" harm, but its conditions can be dangerous. Conversely, Cruel always carries an element of intentionality, highlighting the wish to see another suffer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
It's possible for something to be Brutal without being Cruel. For example, nature can be brutal—think of natural disasters. They can cause destruction without the intent to harm. Cruelty, however, always suggests a malevolent desire to hurt, degrade, or inflict suffering on another being.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Brutal often conveys a raw, unfiltered force or intensity. A brutal truth, for instance, is one that is direct, unsoftened, and perhaps difficult to hear. Cruel, in contrast, often pertains to behaviors and actions that reveal a lack of humanity, kindness, or compassion, highlighting a more emotional or sadistic aspect.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
In summary, while both Brutal and Cruel can describe harshness and severity, Brutal is more about the intensity and force, and Cruel centers around the desire or pleasure in causing pain or suffering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Brutal and Cruel Definitions
Brutal
Overwhelming or extreme.
The team faced brutal competition in the finals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
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Cruel
Relentlessly severe.
The cruel fate of the shipwrecked sailors was mourned by all.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Cruel
Causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or distress
Cruel treatment.
A cruel remark.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
Intentionally causing or reveling in pain and suffering; merciless, heartless.
The supervisor was very cruel to Josh, as he would always give Josh the hardest, most degrading work he could find.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Brutal
In extreme metal, to describe the speed of the music and the density of riffs.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
To violently provoke (a child) in the belief that this will make them more assertive.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
Disposed to give pain to others; willing or pleased to hurt, torment, or afflict; destitute of sympathetic kindness and pity; savage; inhuman; hard-hearted; merciless.
Behold a people cometh from the north country; . . . they are cruel and have no mercy.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Brutal
Like a brute; savage; cruel; inhuman; brutish; unfeeling; merciless; gross; as, brutal manners.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
Causing, or fitted to cause, pain, grief, or misery.
Cruel wars, wasting the earth.
Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath for it was cruel.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Brutal
(of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain;
Brutal instruments of torture
Cruel weapons of war
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
Attended with cruetly; painful; harsh.
You have seen cruel proof of this man's strength.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Brutal
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering;
A barbarous crime
Brutal beatings
Cruel tortures
Stalin's roughshod treatment of the kulaks
A savage slap
Vicious kicks
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Brutal
Used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering;
Brutal weather
Northern winters can be cruel
A cruel world
A harsh climate
A rigorous climate
Unkind winters
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering;
A barbarous crime
Brutal beatings
Cruel tortures
Stalin's roughshod treatment of the kulaks
A savage slap
Vicious kicks
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Brutal
Lacking in compassion or sensitivity.
His brutal remarks hurt her feelings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Cruel
(of weapons or instruments) causing suffering and pain;
Brutal instruments of torture
Cruel weapons of war
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
Used of circumstances (especially weather) that cause suffering;
Brutal weather
Northern winters can be cruel
A cruel world
A harsh climate
A rigorous climate
Unkind winters
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 11, 2023
Cruel
Showing a desire to cause pain or suffering.
Her cruel words left him in tears.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
FAQs
Can Brutal be used to describe nature?
Yes, like in "brutal weather conditions."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Does Cruel always indicate intentionality?
Yes, Cruel suggests a deliberate desire to cause harm or suffering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is every Cruel action done with malice?
Cruel actions typically have a malevolent or sadistic intent.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Can criticism be Cruel?
Yes, if it's intended to hurt or degrade, it's cruel.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
Are all Brutal actions Cruel?
No, brutality can exist without the intent to cause suffering.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can a truth be Brutal?
Yes, a truth that's harsh or direct can be described as brutal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can a person be both Brutal and Cruel?
Yes, someone can act with both severity and a desire to harm.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Can silence be Cruel?
Yes, if it's used to intentionally hurt or ostracize someone.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
Is it correct to describe a test as Cruel?
If it's excessively difficult or harsh, it might be termed cruel.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can jokes be Cruel?
Yes, especially if they mock or hurt someone intentionally.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
Can a landscape be Brutal?
Yes, like a brutal desert with extreme conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is it correct to say Cruel fate?
Yes, it refers to a fate that's relentlessly severe or unfortunate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Is Brutal synonymous with violent?
They're similar, but Brutal can refer to non-violent intensities too.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can a punishment be Cruel?
Yes, if it's excessively severe or intended to cause undue pain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Can music be Brutal?
Yes, it might describe intense or aggressive genres like some metal subgenres.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Does Brutal always mean physical force?
No, it can also describe emotional harshness or directness.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
How does Brutal differ from harsh?
While similar, Brutal often suggests more raw force or intensity than harsh.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
Are Brutal and Cruel completely synonymous?
No, while they overlap, Brutal emphasizes severity, while Cruel highlights malicious intent.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
