B2adverbemotionssociety
US/ˈkruː.əl.i/
UK/ˈkruː.əl.i/
in a way that causes pain or suffering to others without pity
In context
The prisoners were cruelly treated by the guards for many years.
He laughed cruelly when she tripped and dropped her tray.
The girl was cruelly teased about her accent at her new school.
Words that go with cruelly
adverb + verb
- cruelly treatedThe horses were cruelly treated by their owner.
- cruelly mockedHe was cruelly mocked by his classmates.
- cruelly abandonedThe dog had been cruelly abandoned on the road.
- cruelly deceivedShe felt cruelly deceived by her closest friend.
adverb + adjective
- cruelly ironicIt was cruelly ironic that he died the day he retired.
verb + adverb
- smile cruellyThe teacher smiled cruelly at the nervous student.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He treated her cruel.Correct: He treated her cruelly.