cruel

adjective kroo-EHL Rare

Origin: From Latin crudelis (cruel, harsh).

Usage Note

Cruel is invariable for gender (un hombre cruel / una mujer cruel) but adds -es in the plural (tratos crueles). It implies deliberate infliction of pain or suffering. The noun form is crueldad (cruelty). A common intensifier is sumamente cruel (extremely cruel).

Examples

"El dictador era conocido por su trato cruel hacia los prisioneros."

Natural Translation

The dictator was known for his cruel treatment of prisoners.

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