savagery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "savagery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extreme cruelty, brutality, or a lack of civilization in behavior or actions. Example: "The documentary highlighted the savagery of the conflict, showcasing the devastating impact on innocent civilians."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With each eyewitness that testified, another mystery retreated and the truth, in all its halting savagery, began to assemble itself in the minds of Kwementyaye's family.

The Guardian

Reck captures antisemitism in a story of a Jewish woman forced out of her apartment by an SS officer; savagery in the east is recorded mercilessly and ecstatically by a Wehrmacht observer of air-raids in Poland.

The Guardian - Books

Related: VS Naipaul: the long arrival part one Naipaul, who is of Indian ancestry like Salim, is drawn to this visceral and dangerous scene while being at the same time disdainful of its crudeness and savagery.

The Guardian - Books

Death squads were by then roaming Baghdad and much of central Iraq, killing members of opposite sects with routine savagery and exiling residents from neighbourhoods they dominated.

The Guardian

Perniola has observed the connections between nudity and savagery [4].

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In this reading, the stripping of the human body represents a descent into savagery, making the subject potentially liable to unpredictable and aggressive resistance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even that is not clear except to those who thrive on simple certainties, in this case the crude but high-tech savagery of Israeli attacks on civilian-dense Gaza, not all of which loves its Hamas rulers.

The Guardian

Lurking within much of the public discourse on homophobia in Africa is the notion of the civilising mission of Eurocentric culture (and its human rights frameworks) that will save African culture, and the victims thereof, from its barbarism and its savagery.

The Guardian

The savagery of both the French forces and the Algerian nationalists during the eight-year conflict that ended in 1962 left deep scars of hate, humiliation and hurt.

The Economist

Thus the German eastward advance was accompanied by a savagery not seen in Western Europe a fact which no doubt contributed to the eventual rout of the Wehrmacht in the east.Germany, like her or not, is a huge part of Europe and a vital one.

The Economist

This was not a minor issue for the electorate: protecting NHS funding was a key sign from the Conservatives that they were not the same party of yore.Fulfilling manifesto commitments is an important part of British politics and a useful tool for voters to assess a party.Tom Page LondonSIR – You referred to the Tories'"savagery" in cutting public spending.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical events or conflicts, use "savagery" to convey the extreme cruelty and violence involved. For example, "The "savagery" of the war left lasting scars on the nation."

Common error

Avoid using "savagery" to describe minor inconveniences or disagreements. It's a powerful word that should be reserved for truly brutal and inhumane situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "savagery" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the abstract concept of brutal or inhuman behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in contexts denoting extreme cruelty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "savagery" is a noun used to describe extreme cruelty or brutality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media. The term carries a strong negative connotation and is best reserved for situations involving significant violence and inhumanity. While alternatives like "brutality" and "barbarism" exist, "savagery" emphasizes the unrestrained and primal nature of the violence. Using "savagery" appropriately can significantly impact the emotional weight and descriptive power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme brutality

Emphasizes the physical violence and intensity of the cruelty.

utter barbarism

Highlights the uncivilized and primitive nature of the actions.

heinous cruelty

Focuses on the shocking and wicked aspects of the actions.

inhuman violence

Stresses the lack of compassion and empathy in the acts.

ferocious intensity

Highlights the wild and uncontrolled nature of the behavior.

ruthless aggression

Focuses on the pitiless and forceful nature of the actions.

brutal violence

Underscores the raw and unrestrained nature of the acts.

wanton destructiveness

Emphasizes the reckless and unjustified nature of the devastation.

unchecked ferocity

Stresses the unrestrained and fierce nature of the behavior.

unmitigated barbarity

Highlights the complete and utter lack of civilization or refinement.

FAQs

How is "savagery" typically used in a sentence?

"Savagery" is used to describe acts of extreme cruelty or violence, often in the context of war, conflict, or inhumane treatment. For instance, "The "savagery" of the attack shocked the world."

What words can I use as an alternative to "savagery"?

Alternatives to "savagery" include "brutality", "barbarism", "atrocity", and "cruelty", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "savagery" and "barbarity"?

While both terms refer to extreme cruelty and a lack of civilization, "savagery" often implies a more primal and unrestrained form of violence, whereas "barbarity" can suggest a more systematic or institutionalized form of cruelty.

When is it appropriate to use the word "savagery" in writing?

Use "savagery" when describing situations involving extreme violence, cruelty, and a complete disregard for human life or dignity. Avoid using it in contexts where the level of violence or cruelty is not truly extreme.