Definition

The condition of being cruel, savage, or uncivilized.

Example

The barbarousness of the ancient practices shocked the modern audience.

Conversation

Did you read about the barbarousness in that ancient war?

Yeah, it was shocking how people treated each other back then.

It's hard to believe humanity has come so far from that kind of barbarousness.

True, but history often repeats itself in some ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Barbarousness is formed from "barbarous" (from Latin "barbarus", meaning foreign or strange) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word describes the state of being barbarous, which implies a quality of being uncivilized or savage.

Memory Tip

Think of 'barbarous' meaning foreign or strange, and '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'barbarousness' refers to the state of being uncivilized or savage.

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