What is cruel? Pronunciation and usage in English

cruel means . Learn how to pronounce and use cruel through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cruel

crueladjective

/ˈkruː(ə)l/
Definition & pronunciation of cruel

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cruel" in English. Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word "cruel" is divided into two syllables:

  • cru (like "true" but with a 'c')
  • el (like "ell")

2. Sounds:

  • "cru": This is the trickiest part! It's pronounced with a slightly drawn-out vowel sound. Think of it as a short "true" sound. Make sure you don’t just say “crew”. It's almost like the "u" is being pulled forward slightly.
  • "el": This is a simple, short "el" sound – like in the word "bell."

3. Combined: Put it together! It's pronounced roughly as: “kro͞ol” (emphasis on the first syllable).

Here’s a helpful breakdown with a phonetic approximation:

  • /krʊəl/

Tips for getting it right:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "cruel"?

Usage and examples with the word cruel in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cruel" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Cruel: Characterized by or showing a deliberate intention to inflict pain or suffering on others. It goes beyond simple unkindness; it suggests a deliberate enjoyment or satisfaction in causing harm.

2. How to Use "Cruel" – Different Contexts & Examples:

  • Describing Actions: This is the most common use.

    • "The storm was cruel, destroying homes and livelihoods." (Natural event causing harm)
    • "He was cruel to his dog, neglecting it and leaving it alone for days." (Direct intentional harm)
    • "The dictator’s regime was cruel, systematically torturing and executing political opponents." (Systematic and oppressive harm)
    • "It was cruel of her to make fun of his disability." (Unkind and hurtful behavior)

  • Describing Feelings/Disposition: You can use "cruel" to describe a person's character or a feeling.

    • "He had a cruel streak, often saying hurtful things without realizing the impact." (Referring to a personality trait)
    • "She felt cruel realizing she’d hurt his feelings." (Referring to an internal emotion – remorse, regret)

  • Figurative Language (More Advanced): "Cruel" can be used metaphorically to describe situations or experiences that are harsh or difficult.

    • "The city presented a cruel landscape for a homeless man." (Not literally cruel, but presenting hardship)
    • "Life can be cruel sometimes; it’s important to be resilient.” (Referring to difficult circumstances)

3. Nuances & Related Words:

  • Unkind vs. Cruel: "Unkind" is generally milder than "cruel." Unkindness is simply lacking in kindness; cruelty involves deliberate harm.
  • Heartless: Similar to cruel, emphasizing a lack of empathy.
  • Sadistic: This term describes someone who derives pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering. It's a stronger and more specific term than "cruel."
  • Malevolent: Wishing evil or harm to others.

4. Important Considerations & Caution:

  • Strong Word: “Cruel” is a strong word. Don't use it lightly. Make sure it accurately reflects the situation. Overusing it can diminish its impact.
  • Avoid Judgmental Language: While defining something as “cruel” is appropriate, consider adding context to explain why it's considered cruel. Instead of just saying "He was cruel," you could say "He was cruel because he deliberately ignored her pleas for help."

5. Examples Combining Context:

  • “The treatment of animals in factory farms is often shockingly cruel.”
  • "The story of the shipwreck was incredibly cruel, detailing the suffering of the passengers and crew.”
  • “Her cruel laughter echoed through the hallway as she watched him stumble.”

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write/say when you think you want to use "cruel"? (e.g., a story, an essay, a conversation?)
  • Can you provide the sentence or phrase you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word cruel

Idioms of the word cruel

cruel and unusual punishment
a category of very severe punishment that is banned under US law
  • This important case confronts the issue of what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
  • Detainees are subjected to malnutrition, forced labor, and to other cruel and unusual punishments.

Practice with vocabulary cruel

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sudden, unexpected cancellation of the project was a __________ blow to the team, who had dedicated months to its development.
  2. Despite the challenging circumstances, the organization refused to implement any __________ policies that would disproportionately affect their most vulnerable employees.
  3. The mountaineers faced __________ conditions during their ascent, battling strong winds and freezing temperatures for hours.
  4. His __________ disregard for the safety regulations ultimately led to a serious accident on the factory floor.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe(s) an action or policy that causes severe suffering or distress without justification? a) Merciful b) Unjust c) Brutal d) Compassionate e) Humane

  2. Select the most appropriate adjective(s) to characterize a person who enjoys inflicting pain or is indifferent to the suffering of others. a) Benevolent b) Vicious c) Altruistic d) Unfeeling e) Thoughtful

  3. The __________ tactics employed by the rival company were widely condemned as unethical and damaging to the entire industry's reputation. a) Lenient b) Ruthless c) Aggressive d) Fair e) Kind

  4. Which word(s) can describe a task that is exceptionally difficult and requires a great deal of effort and endurance? a) Facile b) Arduous c) Simple d) Demanding e) Trivial

  5. The auditor found several instances of __________ accounting practices, leading to a significant investigation into the company's finances. a) Meticulous b) Irregular c) Transparent d) Diligent e) Scrupulous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager showed absolutely no pity when he dismissed the long-serving employee without a valid reason. (Rewrite the sentence, using "cruel" or a related word form.)

  2. The severe treatment of the animals at the neglected shelter shocked the public and led to an immediate investigation. (Rewrite the sentence, using "cruel" or a related word form.)

  3. The intense pressure from the stakeholders forced the CEO to make very difficult decisions regarding the company's future. (Rewrite the sentence, replacing "very difficult" with a suitable alternative, without using "cruel" or its forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sudden, unexpected cancellation of the project was a cruel blow to the team, who had dedicated months to its development.
  2. Despite the challenging circumstances, the organization refused to implement any cruel policies that would disproportionately affect their most vulnerable employees.
  3. The mountaineers faced harsh conditions during their ascent, battling strong winds and freezing temperatures for hours.
  4. His reckless disregard for the safety regulations ultimately led to a serious accident on the factory floor.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Unjust, c) Brutal
  2. b) Vicious, d) Unfeeling
  3. b) Ruthless, c) Aggressive
  4. b) Arduous, d) Demanding
  5. b) Irregular

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager's cruel dismissal of the long-serving employee was without a valid reason. / The manager was cruel when he dismissed the long-serving employee without a valid reason.
  2. The cruel treatment of the animals at the neglected shelter shocked the public and led to an immediate investigation. / The cruelty shown towards the animals at the neglected shelter shocked the public and led to an immediate investigation.
  3. The intense pressure from the stakeholders forced the CEO to make arduous decisions regarding the company's future. / The intense pressure from the stakeholders forced the CEO to make demanding decisions regarding the company's future.

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