In a cruel, savage, or harsh manner; without mercy or gentleness.
From 'brutal,' from Latin 'brutalis' (relating to animals), from 'bruta' (beasts). The '-ly' adverb suffix transforms the adjective. The word originally described behavior fitting of animals rather than humans.
Brutally honest has become a phrase because honesty is often brutal—the root 'bruta' means 'beasts,' so 'brutal' literally means 'like an animal.' Saying something brutally means stripping away all politeness and softness.
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