savage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "savage" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to describe something as fierce, brutal, or extremely impressive, often in a colloquial or informal manner. Example: "Her response to the criticism was so savage that it left everyone in the room speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And Lucas promised to be a beacon in the Commons for those who opposed what she called "five more years of savage austerity".

The Guardian

As the coalition government's savage cuts bite harder, the tax argument proves time and again that it is not a red herring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, western governments did little once the scale of massacres were dialled down to a lower, but still savage, intensity.

The Guardian

Third, it's incredibly insulting to the vast majority of men to suggest that they are inherently savage and will always attack women given an opportunity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To try to alleviate widespread poverty from five years of savage austerity, Varoufakis said the government wanted to introduce a smart card scheme which bearers would use for health insurance but which would also include food stamps worth €100 a month for up to 300,000 families.

The Guardian

Despite the shattering defeat of the Whitlam government, despite Bob Hawke being toppled as prime minister by his Labor colleagues, despite the savage loss of the Keating Government, Medicare is there.

The Guardian

And because the coalition was so savage in its programme of fiscal austerity – knocking on the head an economy that was, in fact, recovering until it took over – output is only just back to its pre-crisis peak, and real incomes and living standards are way below.

The Guardian - Business

Tahar Rahim, star of Jacques Audiard's brilliant A Prophet, follows his blistering debut playing a savage in Kevin Macdonald's The Eagle, an adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliff's The Eagle of the Ninth.

The Guardian - Film

Although pace the BBC's coverage of the report, the IMC did not rule out that individual IRA members killed Quinn during the savage beating.

The Guardian

But there's no criticism voiced, and Jackson can be cast by Lee in the forthcoming Oldboy (the remake of a savage Korean revenge drama), the two working together for the first time since Jungle Fever in 1991.

The Guardian - Film

Already reeling from savage cuts to 1223 ABC Newcastle after the Coalition's $250m budget cut last year, Newcastle residents took the latest slight to their hometown boy badly – and expressed their outrage on social media on Friday morning.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "savage", ensure that the context aligns with the intensity of the word. Use it to depict extreme cruelty, fierceness, or wildness to maximize its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "savage" in contexts where a milder term would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

Adjective: "Savage" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their qualities. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts, highlighting its ability to denote extreme fierceness, brutality, or wildness, as demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Social Media

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "savage" is a versatile adjective used to convey extreme fierceness, brutality, or wildness. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it often describes events or conditions. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the intensity of the word and avoid overuse in casual contexts. Related terms include "brutal", "ferocious", and "vicious", each carrying slightly different nuances. When using "savage", ensure that the context aligns with its intensity to maximize its impact and avoid being hyperbolic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brutal

Implies extreme cruelty or violence, similar to "savage" but can also refer to harsh realities.

ferocious

Highlights untamed and fierce aggression, often associated with animals but applicable to human actions as well.

vicious

Indicates a malicious and immoral nature, emphasizing the intent to harm.

barbaric

Refers to uncivilized or primitive behavior, lacking refinement or compassion.

merciless

Suggests a complete lack of pity or compassion, often in the context of punishment or conflict.

ruthless

Implies a determination to achieve a goal without concern for the consequences or the well-being of others.

feral

Describes something wild and untamed, often referring to animals that have escaped domestication.

uncivilized

Indicates a lack of social refinement or cultural development.

fierce

Emphasizes intensity and strength, but not necessarily cruelty.

violent

Describes the use of physical force to cause harm or damage.

FAQs

How can I use "savage" in a sentence?

You can use "savage" to describe something fierce, brutal, or extremely impressive. For example, "The criticism was "savage" and unforgiving" or "The landscape was a "savage" wilderness".

What's a less intense word for "savage"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "fierce", "brutal", or "wild" if you want to tone down the intensity.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "savage"?

While you can describe a person as "savage", be mindful of the connotations. It often implies a lack of civility or extreme ferocity, so ensure it aligns with the character you're portraying.

What is the difference between "savage" and "barbaric"?

"Savage" typically refers to fierceness or brutality, while "barbaric" more specifically suggests a lack of culture or civilization. The terms can overlap, but "barbaric" often carries a stronger historical or cultural judgment.