Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈbiːstli/

Definitions

• Adjective: Characteristic of a beast; cruel, brutal, or inhuman.
• Adjective: Extremely unpleasant or disagreeable; unpleasantly rough or uncouth.

Usage Examples

• "His beastly behavior shocked everyone at the party."
• "The beastly heat made the trek unbearable."
• "The beastly treatment of the animals was condemned by the activists."

Etymology

The word "beastly" derives from the noun "beast," which comes from Old French "beste," meaning "animal" or "beast," which in turn originated from the Latin "bestia." The "-ly" suffix is used to form adjectives, implying that something is like or characteristic of a beast. Historically, "beastly" was used in reference to physical or moral brutality, with connotations of savagery or baseness.

Synonyms

• Brutal
• Inhumane
• Barbaric
• Savage
• Cruel
• Rough
• Unpleasant

Antonyms

• Kind
• Gentle
• Humane
• Compassionate
• Courteous
• Polite

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, "beastly" may be pronounced with a softer "ee" sound, while in American English, the "ee" might be pronounced with a more clipped sound. In Australian English, the pronunciation may carry a lighter, more drawn-out "e" sound.

Historical Usage

The word "beastly" has been used since the 16th century, originally meaning "like a beast" or "beast-like," referring to something that was savage, cruel, or inhumane. Over time, its usage expanded to describe anything that is harsh, unpleasant, or difficult. By the 19th century, it became common in both literary and spoken English to describe anything that was extremely unpleasant, particularly in reference to weather, situations, or behavior.

Cultural Nuances

The term "beastly" carries a negative connotation in most cultures, often implying barbarity or a lack of refinement. It is commonly used to describe individuals or situations that exhibit cruelty, rudeness, or a lack of compassion. In contrast, in some literary works and creative expressions, "beastly" can be used in a more ironic or humorous way to refer to something that is exaggeratedly unpleasant, such as in the phrase "a beastly good time."

More Information

The word "beastly" has evolved to describe more than just the savage nature of animals. It is now often used to describe the extreme or unpleasant nature of something, whether it's behavior, circumstances, or physical sensations. In contemporary use, it can also be employed humorously to exaggerate discomfort, such as in descriptions of weather conditions or physical exertion. Despite its negative origins, the term has found a place in casual, everyday language and is often used for comic effect.