beastly

word

Definition

Describes something that acts like a wild animal (beast), meaning very cruel or unpleasant. It can also mean very bad or extremely uncomfortable.

Usage & Nuances

'Beastly' is dated and mostly British in everyday speech. It can literally mean 'cruel like a beast', but more often is used in a light, mildly humorous way to say something is unpleasant: 'a beastly headache', 'beastly weather'. It is rarely used in American English.

Example Sentences

It was a beastly night, cold and stormy.

basic

He gave me a beastly look.

basic

That was a beastly thing to say.

basic

The food was beastly; I couldn't eat a thing.

natural

It's beastly hot today, isn't it?

natural

Sorry, I was beastly to you earlier.

natural