What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cruel
Example
It was cruel of him to abandon his dog on the side of the road. [cruel: adjective]
Example
The dictator's cruel treatment of his citizens sparked outrage. [cruel: noun]
savage
Example
The savage beast attacked the villagers without warning. [savage: adjective]
Example
The colonizers' savage treatment of the indigenous people was inexcusable. [savage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cruel is more commonly used than savage in everyday language. Cruel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while savage is less common and more specific to violent or primitive behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cruel and savage?
Both cruel and savage are negative words that are typically used in informal or emotional contexts. However, cruel can also be used in more formal settings, such as legal or academic writing, while savage is more limited in its formality level.
