The spelling of the word "barbaric" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which breaks down sounds of a language into symbols. The word is pronounced as /bɑːˈbærɪk/ in phonetic transcription, where the double letter "b" at the beginning indicates a strong emphasis on the first syllable. The word has four syllables in total, with a long "a" sound in the second syllable and a short "i" sound in the last syllable. The spelling of "barbaric" follows the rules of English spelling, with the "-ric" suffix indicating an adjectival form.
The term "barbaric" is an adjective used to describe actions, behavior, or customs that are considered extremely cruel, uncivilized, and lacking in moral or ethical standards. It is often associated with a primitive state of society or a disregard for human rights and decency.
The word "barbaric" originates from the Greek term "barbaros," which referred to people who did not speak Greek. These individuals were perceived as uncultured and inferior by the Greeks, who deemed their language as mere incomprehensible noises. Over time, this derogatory connotation expanded to encompass a broader range of qualities deemed characteristic of "barbaric" societies.
When something is described as barbaric, it implies a violation of universally accepted norms and humanitarian principles. This can include acts of extreme violence, such as torture, genocide, or brutal warfare, as well as oppressive practices, such as slavery or discrimination. The term can also extend to cultural practices that are considered unethical or uncivilized, such as human sacrifice or female genital mutilation.
Due to its subjective nature, what society considers barbaric may vary across cultures and time periods. However, the term generally reflects a judgment of actions that disregard basic notions of human dignity, respect, and compassion. The label "barbaric" is used to emphasize the stark contrast between such behaviors and the principles of civilization and moral progress.
Pert. to semicivilised or uncivilised nations.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "barbaric" originated in ancient Greece. Its etymology can be traced back to the Greek word "barbaros", which literally means "foreign" or "strange". The Greeks used this term to describe anyone who did not speak Greek. To the Greeks, the sounds of non-Greek languages often appeared as "bar-bar", hence the use of the term "barbaros". Over time, the word "barbaric" evolved to mean "uncivilized" or "savage", referring to the perceived cultural inferiority of non-Greeks. The term has since been adopted and evolved in various languages, retaining its connotation of primitiveness or lack of refinement.