Barbaric
Adjective
Definition: Savagely cruel; exceedingly brutal or primitive.
Definition: Uncivilized; lacking refinement or culture.
Synonyms: Savage, Brutal, Uncivilized
Antonyms: Civilized, Refined, Cultured
- The barbaric acts of the invading army left a trail of destruction.
- The death penalty is considered by some to be a barbaric practice.
- "Barbaric" sounds similar to "barbarian," which refers to a person from a primitive or uncivilized society.
Etymology:
The word "barbaric" comes from the Late Latin word "barbaricus," which means "foreign" or "strange." It is derived from the Greek word "barbaros," which was used to describe non-Greeks or individuals who did not speak the Greek language.
Historical Usage:Originally, the term "barbaric" was used by the ancient Greeks to denote individuals or cultures that were considered foreign or different from their own. Over time, it evolved to encompass notions of savagery and lack of refinement.
Related Idioms:
"Barbaric yawp"
Explanation:This phrase, popularized by the poet Walt Whitman in his poem "Song of Myself," refers to a wild and unrestrained shout or cry that symbolizes primal or untamed expression.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "barbaric" with "barbarous."
Explanation:While both words share similar meanings and connotations, "barbaric" specifically refers to savagery or cruelty, while "barbarous" has a broader range of meanings and can also refer to something uncivilized, brutal, or lacking refinement.