beastly

English

Etymology

From beast +‎ -ly.

Adjective

beastly (comparative beastlier or more beastly, superlative beastliest or most beastly)

  1. Pertaining to, or having the form, nature, or habits of a beast.
  2. Characterizing the nature of a beast; contrary to the nature and dignity of man; brutal; filthy.
  3. Abominable
    beastly weather

Usage notes

Most often used pejoratively, bestial is more narrow, though also often used pejoratively.

Synonyms

Translations

Adverb

beastly (comparative more beastly, superlative most beastly)

  1. (obsolete) Like a beast; brutishly.
    • 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, III.8:
      Beastly he threwe her downe, ne car'd to spill / Her garments gay with scales of fish that all did fill.
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Last modified on 8 February 2013, at 16:12