Brutishness

/ˈbruːtɪʃnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality of being brutish; uncivilized behavior, animal-like stupidity, or coarse insensitivity.

Etymology

From brutish + -ness (suffix forming abstract nouns). Describes the quality of acting without reason, like a brute animal.

Kelly Says

Philosophers from Hobbes onward used 'brutishness' to describe the worst aspects of human nature—interestingly, animals aren't actually cruel like humans can be, so the insult is kind of unfair to actual brutes.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.