Definition

More harsh or unkind than usual; showing a lack of compassion or mercy.

Example

The crueller treatment of the prisoners was condemned by human rights organizations.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see how he treated his teammates during practice?

Yeah, it seemed a bit crueller than usual.

I wonder if he's feeling extra pressure lately.

Maybe! It’s surprising to see him like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'crueller' originates from the Old French 'cruel', meaning cruel or harsh, combined with the suffix '-er', which denotes a person who performs a specific action. A 'crueller' refers to a person who is cruel or inflicts cruelty.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'cruel' — the '-er' indicates that this person performs the action of being cruel.

Visually Confused Words