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 1a3: 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>