Cruelties

/ˈkruːəltiz/ noun

Definition

Plural of cruelty; multiple instances or types of cruel acts or behaviors toward others.

Etymology

From Middle English and Old French 'cruelte', derived from Latin 'crudelitas', the noun form of 'crudelis'. The plural adds '-ies' following English noun inflection rules.

Kelly Says

The word 'cruelty' is abstract, but 'cruelties' becomes concrete—it's the difference between 'sadness' versus 'sad things,' which is why we often use the plural when telling specific stories of harm.

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