brute

Everyday

1. A cruel, violent or rough person. tree →
2. (old) A big, strong animal, especially a wild one. tree →
3. (adjective) Using only strength, not thinking: brute force, brute strength. tree →
4. (informal) Something big and hard to manage: «this box is a brute to carry». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, the villain or a bully is a brute. In science and computing, «brute force» means trying every possibility, for example trying every password or every number. Phrases: brute force, brute strength, you brute!

Examples

• The brute pushed everyone out of his way. tree →
• He opened the door by brute force. tree →
• The bear was a huge brute. tree →
• Don't be such a brute to your brother! tree →
• Trying every combination of the lock is a brute-force method. tree →
• This suitcase is a brute to lift. tree →
• "What is that brute of a cowherd doing? tree →

Note

Related: brutal, brutality. In maths puzzles, a brute-force method checks every case one by one.