Cruelly

/ˈkruːəli/

Meaning & Definition

adverb
In a manner characterized by a willingness to inflict pain or suffering on others.
The villain cruelly laughed as he watched his enemies struggle.
In a way that is harsh or pitiless.
She was cruelly treated by her peers, leading to her emotional distress.
With a lack of compassion or mercy.
The decision to abandon the injured animal was cruelly heartless.
In a manner that causes great discomfort or suffering.
He would cruelly remind her of her failures every chance he got.

Etymology

From Middle English 'cruel', from Old French 'cruel', from Latin 'cruellus'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to treat someone cruelly
to act in a way that inflicts pain or distress on another person.
cruelly ironic
having a twist of fate that is painful or distressing.
cruelly betrayed
to have trust breached in a harsh or painful manner.

Related Words

cruel
having a disposition to inflict pain or suffering.
cruelty
the quality of being cruel.
cruelness
the state or quality of being cruel.

Slang Meanings

Mean-spirited
She can be really cruelly sometimes, just to get a reaction.
Savage
That joke was cruelly savage!