The word "barbarity" is spelled with two "b's" in the middle instead of one as we might expect. But why? The answer lies in its Latin roots. The word comes from "barbarus" meaning "foreign" or "uncivilized". In Latin, doubling a consonant between vowels signifies a short preceding vowel sound. Therefore, the two "b's" in "barbarity" indicate that the vowel sound is short and sounds like "bar-bear-ity". This is represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /bɑrˈbærɪti/.
Barbarity is a noun that refers to the state or act of being barbarous, cruel, or brutal. It represents extreme and inhumane behavior characterized by cruelty, violence, or savagery. The term can be used to describe actions, attitudes, or systems that exhibit a lack of civilization, compassion, or ethical standards.
The term "barbarity" often implies a departure from accepted moral norms, resulting in actions that cause harm, suffering, or injustice to others. It can specifically refer to acts of torture, genocide, war crimes, or other heinous acts against humanity. This includes violent practices, such as torture methods used during wars or totalitarian regimes, or acts of extreme brutality committed by individuals or groups.
Barbarity can also describe a general state of societal or cultural primitiveness, where a lack of refinement, education, or cultural development leads to uncivilized behavior. In such contexts, it can refer to a lack of empathy, respect for human rights, or adherence to the principles of justice and fairness.
Ultimately, the term "barbarity" reflects the darkest aspects of human nature and highlights the capacity for cruelty and violence that some individuals or societies can possess. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding moral principles, maintaining civilized behavior, and working towards a more compassionate world.
Extreme rudeness; cruelty, like a savage; inhumanity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "barbarity" is derived from the Latin word "barbaritas", which is a noun form of the adjective "barbarus". In Latin, "barbarus" referred to a person who did not speak Latin or Greek, and instead spoke a foreign language. It was often used to describe people from non-Roman cultures, particularly those who were not part of the Greco-Roman civilization. Over time, "barbarus" came to be associated with notions of rudeness, uncivilized behavior, and lacking refinement. This negative connotation has carried over to modern English, where "barbarity" refers to extreme cruelty, inhumanity, or savagery.