beastly

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English beestly, bestely, beastelich, equivalent to beast +‎ -ly. Compare West Frisian bistachtich (“beastly”), Dutch beestachtig (“beastly”), German biestig (“beastly”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈbiːstli/ Rhymes: -iːstli === Adjective === beastly (comparative beastlier or more beastly, superlative beastliest or most beastly) (chiefly UK) Pertaining to, or having the form, nature, or habits of, a beast. Synonyms: animalian, bestial; see also Thesaurus:animallike Similar to the nature of a beast; contrary to the nature and dignity of human beings. Synonyms: brutal, filthy (UK, dated) Abominable; very unpleasant; hideous. (slang) Of computer hardware or motor vehicles etc.: ostentatiously powerful. 2014, March 21, Tycho de Feijter, “Hummer H2 is a Big Black Beast in the Rain in China”, CarNewsChina.com: A very big, very black, and very beastly Hummer H2, Spotted in China in in[sic] the rain the great city of Zigong in Sichuan Province. ==== Usage notes ==== Most often used pejoratively, but sense 4 has predominantly positive connotations. Bestial is more narrow, though also often used pejoratively. See also the usage note at nature of the beast. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Adverb === beastly (comparative more beastly, superlative most beastly) Like a beast; brutishly. === Anagrams === baetyls, baylets