English · Adjectives
cruel
/ˈkruː.əl/
[/ˈkruː.əl/]
harsh, unkind
Intermediateadjective
Definition
Willing to cause pain or suffering to others without feeling sorry.
Example
It was cruel of him to mock the boy who could not read aloud.
It was cruel of him to mock the boy who could not read aloud.
Etymology
From Latin 'crudelis' (hard-hearted), via Old French in the 13th century.
How & Where It’s Used
Describes deliberate harshness toward people or animals.