B1adjectiveemotionsrelationships
US/ˈkruː.əl/
UK/ˈkruː.əl/
causing pain or suffering to others on purpose, or not caring when others suffer
In context
It is cruel to keep a dog chained up all day.
The cruel king taxed the poor until they had nothing left.
Her cruel words made him cry in front of the whole class.
Words that go with cruel
adjective + noun
- cruel treatmentPrisoners complained of cruel treatment.
- cruel jokeTelling her that was a cruel joke.
- cruel fateA cruel fate separated the two brothers.
- cruel and unusualThe law forbids cruel and unusual punishment.
adjective + preposition
- cruel to animalsHe was cruel to animals as a boy.
- cruel to be kindSometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is cruel with animals.Correct: He is cruel to animals.