English Explanatory Dictionary

beastly

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Pertaining to, or having the form, nature, or habits of, a beast.
  2. Similar to the nature of a beast; contrary to the nature and dignity of human beings.
  3. Abominable; very unpleasant; hideous.
  4. Of computer hardware or motor vehicles etc.: ostentatiously powerful.
adv
  1. Like a beast; brutishly.
  2. Very much; terribly.

Pronunciation

/ˈbiːstli/ En-us-beastly.ogg

Word forms

beastly beastlier more beastly beastliest most beastly

Etymology

From Middle English bestely, bestly, equivalent to beast + -ly. Compare West Frisian bistachtich (“beastly”), Dutch beestachtig (“beastly”), German biestig (“beastly”).

Synonyms

animalian bestial animalesque animalish animalistic animal-like beastly brutish brutal filthy

Related words

nature of the beast

Derived words

beasterly beastlihead beastlihood beastlily beastliness beastly careless beastlyhead
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