Basic Details
Word: Cruelty
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The quality of being very harsh or mean to others, causing pain or suffering.
Synonyms: Inhumanity, brutality, savagery
Antonyms: Kindness, compassion, mercy
Idioms and Phrases
- Eyes wide open: To be fully aware and understanding of something, especially something cruel. Example: "He approached the situation with his eyes wide open, knowing the full cruelty that could occur."
- In the cold light of day: Seeing something clearly and realistically, often revealing harsh truths. Example: "In the cold light of day, the cruelty of his actions became evident to everyone."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The documentary highlighted the cruelty faced by many abandoned animals in the city.
Example 2: Acts of cruelty can leave deep emotional scars on those who experience them.
Example 3: It is important to stand against cruelty and protect those who cannot defend themselves.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "cruelty" comes from the Latin word "crudelitas," which means "savage" or "brutal"? It first appeared in the English language during the late Middle Ages.
Famous Quote
"The cruelest lies are often told in silence." Robert Louis Stevenson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "cruelty" mean?
a) Kindness and care
b) The quality of being harsh or mean
c) The act of smiling at someone
d) A type of music
Answer: b) The quality of being harsh or mean
2. Which of these is a synonym of "cruelty"?
a) Compassion
b) Savagery
c) Friendship
d) Helpfulness
Answer: b) Savagery
3. Which is an antonym of "cruelty"?
a) Brutality
b) Kindness
c) Inhumanity
d) Savagery
Answer: b) Kindness
4. Which sentence uses "cruelty" correctly?
a) The cruelty of the joke made everyone laugh.
b) She showed cruelty by helping the elderly across the street.
c) The cruelty of his actions shocked everyone in the room.
d) The cruelty made the cake tastier.
Answer: c) The cruelty of his actions shocked everyone in the room.
5. Which idiom means to be aware of something cruel?
a) In the cold light of day
b) Under the weather
c) At the drop of a hat
d) A blessing in disguise
Answer: a) In the cold light of day
