Main Entry: ¹brute

Pronunciation: \ˈbrüt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French brut rough, from Latin brutus brutish, literally, heavy; akin to Latin gravis heavy — more at grieve

Date: 15th century

1 : of or relating to beasts <the ways of the brute world>
2 : inanimate 1a
3 : characteristic of an animal in quality, action, or instinct: as a : cruel, savage <brute violence> b : not working by reason <brute instinct>
4 : purely physical <brute strength> <brute force>
5 : unrelievedly harsh <brute facts> <brute necessity>