Brutal describes something very cruel, violent, or harsh. It can also be used informally for something extremely difficult or unpleasant.
From French “brutal,” from Latin “brutalis,” meaning “like a brute or animal,” from “brutus,” meaning “dull or stupid.” It originally compared cruel behavior to that of wild beasts.
Calling something “brutal” is really calling it “animal-like,” as if humans must forget their humanity to act that way. Over time, the word slid from describing savage behavior to also describing tough exams, workouts, or winters.
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