cruel

Everyday

1. Cruel means causing pain or suffering to people or animals on purpose, or not caring when they suffer. tree →
2. Cruel can mean very hard to bear, as in cruel weather or cruel luck. tree →

In the lessons

In feelings and kindness lessons, pupils learn that being cruel to people or animals is wrong, and that bullying can be cruel. In stories, villains are often cruel, like the cruel stepmother. Phrases: cruel to, be cruel, cruelty to animals.

Examples

• It is cruel to hurt animals. tree →
• The cruel giant locked the children in the tower. tree →
• Laughing at someone who is sad is cruel. tree →
• Cinderella's stepsisters were cruel to her. tree →
• The winter was cruel and long. tree →
• Don't be cruel; be kind. tree →
• It was a cruel twist of fate. tree →
• “How could you be so cruel? tree →

Note

Comparatives: crueller, cruellest (UK); crueler, cruelest (US); more cruel is also fine. Noun: cruelty; adverb: cruelly. Spelling: c-r-u-e-l (e before l). Opposite: kind. If you see cruelty to an animal or a person, tell a grown-up.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Jacob's blessing speaks of the cruel anger of Simeon and Levi. Tradition reads it as a cursing of their rage, not of the men themselves. In the primary lessons: In feelings and kindness lessons, pupils learn that being cruel to people or animals is wrong, and that bullying can be cruel. In stories, villains are often cruel, like the cruel stepmother. Phrases: cruel to, be cruel, cruelty to animals.

Examples

• Their wine is the venom of serpents, and the cruel poison of asps. (Torah DEU.32.33, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses spoke so unto the children of Israel; but they hearkened not unto Moses for impatience of spirit, and for cruel bondage. (Torah EXO.6.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. (Torah GEN.49.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Lest thou give thy vigour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel; (Writings PRO.5.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Consider how many are mine enemies, and the cruel hatred wherewith they hate me. (Writings PSA.25.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• A rebellious man seeketh only evil; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. (Writings PRO.17.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Comparatives: crueller, cruellest (UK); crueler, cruelest (US); more cruel is also fine. Noun: cruelty; adverb: cruelly. Spelling: c-r-u-e-l (e before l). Opposite: kind. If you see cruelty to an animal or a person, tell a grown-up.