crueler

Crueler is the comparative form of the English adjective cruel. It denotes a greater degree of cruelty when comparing two or more entities. In contemporary usage, crueler can often be substituted by more cruel, and style guides note that the latter may be preferred in formal writing, while crueler is common in narrative and spoken contexts.

Etymology and related forms: The word cruel derives from Old French cruel, which itself stems from Latin crudelis. The related noun cruelty/cruelty shares the same root. The standard comparative forms are crueler and more cruel, with cruelest and most cruel serving as the corresponding superlatives.

Usage notes: Crueler is used to describe actions, policies, or attitudes that exceed another in severity or harshness. It appears in literature, journalism, and everyday speech. The choice between crueler and more cruel can convey nuances in tone: crueler may feel more immediate or vivid, while more cruel can sound more formal or measured. In some contexts, particularly in legal or ethical discussions, phrases like “more cruel” are preferred to avoid potential hyperbole.

Examples:

- The dictator imposed crueler penalties after the uprising.

- Critics argued that the policy was more cruel than its stated aims.

See also: Cruel, Cruelty, Cruelty in law, Comparative adjectives.

This article provides a concise overview of the term as used in English for comparative degree discussions, with notes on usage, etymology, and related forms.