brutish character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brutish character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who exhibits aggressive, uncivilized, or savage behavior or traits. Example: "His brutish character made it difficult for him to form meaningful relationships with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Magnum is a brutish character using his imposing physique and harsh words as a cover for his damaged and guilt-ridden soul.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

His brutish characters swilled too much whiskey at a whites-only club, and wilted in the vaporous heat.

The New York Times

You have a knack for playing brutish characters who could easily be dismissed as thugs, then making them someone we can relate to… I find characters like that interesting, and let's face it, I'll never be Mr Darcy.

The Guardian

If Golding has been hinting, all along, that he is no better than his brutish characters, here he fair-mindedly concedes that homage must be paid to a dead boy who wasn't merely annoying and unattractive; he was also wise and true.

The New Yorker

Mukhamedov was the brutish male leading character in MacMillan's last ballet, The Judas Tree (1992).

Wikipedia

He certainly fell out of Augustus' favor as an heir; the historian Erich S. Gruen notes various contemporary sources that state Postumus Agrippa was a "vulgar young man, brutal and brutish, and of depraved character".

Wikipedia

That character is often brutish and deliberately disgusting, but marked by fits of intense compassion.

The Guardian - Books

The parade of jokes at the expense of homosexuals, the Chinese and American Indians encourages the audience in the kind of brutish egoism that its central character espouses.

The New York Times

The best steeplechaser in training showed a fresh side to his character yesterday, a brutish determination that allowed him to claim a place in history.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the dark humor in the play, turning on the gaping discrepancy between the brutish June and the motherly character she portrays on the radio, mostly comes through fine.

The New York Times

Gazzara had established a willingness to work outside the commercial mainstream, specialising in anti-social characters including a plumply brutish Al Capone in Capone (1975), but his career wavered between quality and dross, film and television, and work in the US, Italy and a few other countries, notching up more than 80 movies in the years following his initial collaboration with Cassavetes.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brutish character", ensure the context clearly supports the strong negative connotation. It's most effective when describing behaviors or traits that are overtly aggressive, uncivilized, or savage.

Common error

While descriptive, "brutish character" can be overly harsh or simplistic. Consider using more nuanced language that captures the complexity of the character's flaws or motivations. For instance, instead of directly labeling a character as brutish, show their actions and let the reader infer their nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brutish character" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct. The adjective "brutish" characterizes the noun "character", indicating that the person's nature is savage, cruel, and unrefined.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brutish character" is a valid and descriptive phrase used to denote a savage, cruel, and unrefined personality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and use across various contexts. While not frequent, its impact is strong and its appropriateness depends heavily on the context. When considering its use, it is important to weigh the alternatives and determine whether they more precisely convey the intended meaning. Ensure you are not overusing this heavy word, and that your audience won't be put off by it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brutal nature

Highlights the extreme harshness and lack of gentleness in someone's character.

savage disposition

Emphasizes the untamed and fierce nature of someone's character, highlighting their lack of civility.

aggressive character

Emphasizes the tendency to be forceful and assertive, potentially to the point of hostility.

uncivilized nature

Focuses on the lack of refinement and social graces in someone's character.

barbaric personality

Stresses the cruelty and lack of compassion in someone's character, aligning with violent or ruthless behavior.

boorish demeanor

Highlights the rudeness and lack of manners in someone's behavior, indicating a lack of social intelligence.

crude temperament

Indicates a rough and unrefined emotional nature, lacking subtlety or sensitivity.

ferocious temperament

Focuses on the fierce and intense aspect of someone's character, highlighting their capacity for aggression.

callous personality

Emphasizes the lack of empathy and concern for others in someone's character.

ruthless disposition

Stresses the determination to achieve goals without regard for the consequences or the well-being of others.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "brutish character" in a sentence?

Use "brutish character" to describe someone whose actions or nature is deliberately cruel, coarse, and insensitive. For example: "The villain's brutish character was evident in his merciless treatment of the prisoners."

What are some alternatives to "brutish character"?

Consider using alternatives such as "savage disposition", "uncivilized nature", or "brutal nature" to convey similar meanings with potentially different connotations.

Is "brutish character" considered formal or informal language?

"Brutish character" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal language. While it is not overly technical, it carries a strong negative connotation and may not be appropriate in all contexts. Consider your audience and the specific tone you wish to convey.

What distinguishes "brutish character" from simply being aggressive?

"Brutish character" implies a combination of aggression, lack of refinement, and insensitivity. While aggression focuses on forceful behavior, "brutish character" suggests a deeper, more ingrained lack of civility and compassion. It is a more comprehensive condemnation of someone's overall nature.