How Do You Spell BARBAROUS?

Pronunciation: [bˈɑːbaɹəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "barbarous" is not as straightforward as it may seem. Although it looks like it should be pronounced as "bar-BAR-us," it is actually pronounced as "BAHR-ber-uhs." This is because the letter "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as a long "a," while the second "a" is pronounced as a short "a." The middle "r" also adds an additional syllabic sound, making it three syllables in total. Remembering the accurate pronunciation can prevent confusion and possible miscommunication.

BARBAROUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Barbarous is an adjective that refers to behavior, actions, or practices that are characterized by extreme cruelty, brutality, or savagery. It describes actions or traits that are considered uncivilized, uncultured, or lacking in refinement. The term can also be used to describe people or societies that are considered primitive or backward in terms of their customs, values, or beliefs.

    When applied to behavior, barbarous indicates a lack of consideration for ethical or moral standards, often involving violence or inhumane treatment. It implies actions that are excessively harsh, relentless, or merciless. For instance, acts such as torture, genocide, or acts of terrorism may be described as barbarous due to their deliberate infliction of pain and suffering.

    The term can also be used metaphorically to describe things that are considered crude, coarse, or lacking in sophistication. For example, a book or a film may be described as having a barbarous plot if it is excessively violent or lacks depth and artistic merit.

    In historical contexts, barbarous may refer to ancient or less-developed cultures, particularly those that were distinct from the dominant civilizations of their time. It carries a sense of primitiveness or uncivilized qualities when applied to these societies, often reflecting a biased perspective from the viewpoint of a more advanced culture.

  2. Uncivilised; savage; ignorant; cruel.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BARBAROUS *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for BARBAROUS

Etymology of BARBAROUS

The word "barbarous" originated from the Latin word "barbarus", which means "foreign" or "strange". In ancient Rome, this term was used to describe people who did not speak the Latin language or conform to Roman customs. Over time, "barbarous" evolved to refer to individuals or societies that were perceived as uncivilized, crude, or brutal. The word came into English through Old French and Middle English, retaining its original sense of "foreign" but taking on additional meanings related to savagery or lack of refinement.

Similar spelling words for BARBAROUS

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