savage
/ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Very cruel, violent, or brutal. It can describe actions, people, or conditions that are harsh and shocking.
- The attack was savage.
- They faced savage treatment.
- 2.
Very strong, severe, or intense. This use is common in speech and writing for things like weather, competition, pain, or criticism.
- We had savage heat yesterday.
- She gave him a savage reply.
noun
An offensive word for an uncivilized person. This use is old-fashioned and can sound rude or insulting.
- He was called a savage.
- The term savage is offensive now.
Adinary Nuance
Savage is stronger and harsher than wild or rough. Use wild for uncontrolled energy or nature, but savage suggests cruelty, violence, or severe force. It can also be informal in praise, like a savage joke, but that modern use is not neutral.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tàn bạo
- Spanish
- salvaje
- Chinese
- 野蛮的
- Japanese
- 残忍な
- Korean
- 잔인한
Etymology
From Old French sauvage, based on Latin silvaticus, meaning 'from the woods'. In English, it first referred to wild nature, then to fierce or brutal behavior.
Common phrases
savage attacksavage criticismsavage beautysavage conditions
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is savage formal or informal?
- It is common in both speech and writing, but the informal praise use is mostly spoken or online.
- What is the difference between savage and wild?
- Wild means uncontrolled or natural. Savage usually means cruel, violent, or very harsh.
- Can savage be used as a compliment?
- Yes, in modern informal English, it can mean bold, sharp, or impressive.
- Is savage offensive as a noun?
- Yes. That noun use is outdated and offensive in modern English.