barbarity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barbarity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extreme cruelty or brutality, often in the context of actions or behaviors that are considered savage or uncivilized. Example: "The reports of barbarity during the conflict shocked the international community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writing in The Times in July 1998, Mr Gove said: "Hanging may seem barbarous, but the greater barbarity lies in the slow abandonment of our common law traditions.

Independent

To all those who proclaim bafflement at the actions of those punishing Badawi with such gross barbarity, the answer can only be that it is being done to remind Muslims that they should fear and respect Islam.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There are those who see the video as proof of the militants' barbarity and of the tragedy of Foley's death," wrote Bill Chappell of National Public Radio in the US.

The Guardian

He has a point: as a country we're far from coming to terms with the barbarity of empire.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Laos he had heard of peaceful, ancient ways of life, in tune with nature, obliterated by human greed and barbarity; now global warming, again spurred by greed, was threatening mankind as a whole.

The Economist

This will make them the largest UN force in current operation.Hissène Habré, a former Chadian dictator, was indicted for "torture and barbarity" by a court in Senegal, where he has been living since he was overthrown in 1990.See article: A Chadian ex-dictator indictedAt least 35 people died when the heaviest rains for 50 years fell upon Mozambique and then spread elsewhere in southern Africa.

The Economist

Through Karl, the author portrays the barbarity of the Nazis, the terror of persecution, and the despair that floods the ship when it is turned away from Havana, the city's "ribbon of lights promising a warmth and a welcome that would never be ours".

The Economist

How are we going to challenge this barbarity?

The Economist

The Baburnama recounts the barbarity and hardship of a princeling's life in a chaotic world; but it is also full of delight and humanity.

The Economist

"I think what [the Charlie Hebdo attack] points out to us is the utter barbarity of the people who are opposing us," Mr Paul said.

The Economist

They then drove bulldozers through their houses, and mortared or set fire to them.In this section Tracing the missing The gods that failed Welcome to Italordan Boudou hoodoo ReprintsUntil this year the barbarity went virtually unreported; there were only dark rumours of what had happened to those who had gone missing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barbarity" when you want to emphasize the extreme cruelty and uncivilized nature of an action or behavior. It's particularly effective when describing historical events, acts of war, or human rights violations.

Common error

Avoid using "barbarity" in situations that are merely unpleasant or annoying. This word carries a strong connotation of extreme cruelty and should be reserved for truly heinous acts to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "barbarity" is as a noun. It denotes a state or instance of extreme cruelty or brutality. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "barbarity" functions as a noun denoting extreme cruelty or brutality, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its communicative purpose is to express strong condemnation and highlight the shocking nature of heinous acts. Commonly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, its formal tone adds weight to descriptions of war crimes and human rights violations. Ludwig AI confirms "barbarity" is grammatically correct and frequently used in reliable sources, making it a potent term for conveying severe moral outrage. While the term is appropriate, be mindful of overuse in everyday circumstances as it diminishes the word's powerful effect. Considering alternative terms like "savagery" or "brutality" is also useful for nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barbarism

Similar to "barbarity", referring to the absence of culture and civilization and is often interchangeable.

savagery

Emphasizes the untamed and uncivilized nature of the cruelty.

brutality

Focuses on the physical violence and harshness of the actions.

atrocity

Highlights the shocking and appalling nature of the act.

heinousness

Stresses the wickedness and depravity of the behavior.

inhumanity

Underscores the lack of compassion and empathy in the actions.

ferocity

Suggests a wild and intense level of aggression.

cruelty

A more general term referring to behavior that causes pain or suffering.

violence

Refers to the use of physical force to cause harm.

depravity

Highlights the moral corruption and wickedness.

FAQs

How is "barbarity" typically used in a sentence?

"Barbarity" is often used as a noun to describe acts or states of extreme cruelty. For example: "The reports of barbarity shocked the world."

What words are similar in meaning to "barbarity"?

Synonyms for "barbarity" include "savagery", "brutality", and "atrocity". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the word that best fits the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "barbarity"?

Use "barbarity" when referring to actions that are extremely cruel, brutal, and uncivilized. It is suitable when discussing war crimes, genocide, or any act that deeply violates human rights.

What's the difference between "barbarity" and "barbarism"?

While similar, "barbarity" refers more directly to acts of cruelty, while "barbarism" often describes a state of being uncivilized or lacking culture. However, the terms are frequently used interchangeably.