What is bestial? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of bestial in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of bestial

bestialadjective

thú tính

/ˈbestiəl//ˈbestʃəl/

Where does the word bestial come from?

The word "bestial" has its roots in ancient Greek and Latin. The word "bestia" means "beast" or "animal," and in Latin, "bestialis" referred to something that was wild or savage, like a beast. In the 15th century, the Latin "bestialis" was borrowed into Middle English as "bestial," meaning "relating to beasts" or "brutish." Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the connotation of something cruel, savage, or lacking in humanity, similar to the way that beasts are often seen as different from humans. Today, "bestial" is typically used to describe behavior or actions that are seen as brutish, inhumane, or beast-like.

Vocabulary summary bestial

typeadjective

meaninganimalistic

meaningbrutal, cruel, savage, animalistic

meaninglewd, depraved

Example of vocabulary bestialnamespace

  • The charges against the accused in the animal cruelty case were not just severe, but bestial as the animals were found to be subjected to inhumane treatment and torture.
  • Some people find pleasure in engaging in sexual acts with animals, a behavior that is considered bestial and is considered immoral by society.
  • The protagonist in the novel had always been fearless and had a bestial strength that allowed her to survive in the wilderness when she was stranded in the woods.
  • The kingdom of the dark lord was filled with horrors and this house, in particular, was said to be haunted by ghosts and bestial creatures that lurked in the shadows.
  • The farmer's bestial conformation and muscular build were the result of years of hard work and dedication to his chosen line of work.

Synonyms and related words for bestial

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