Langimage
English

barbaric

|bar-bar-ic|

C1

🇺🇸

/bɑːrˈbærɪk/

🇬🇧

/bɑːˈbærɪk/

savagely cruel

Etymology
Etymology Information

'barbaric' originates from the Greek word 'barbarikos,' where 'barbaros' meant 'foreign' or 'strange.'

Historical Evolution

'barbarikos' transformed into the Latin word 'barbaricus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'barbaric.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'foreign or strange,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'savagely cruel or exceedingly brutal.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

savagely cruel or exceedingly brutal.

The treatment of prisoners was considered barbaric.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

primitive or unsophisticated.

The ancient tribe was described as barbaric by the explorers.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/14 03:06