Savagely vs Savagery: When to Opt for One Term Over Another

When it comes to the English language, there are often words that sound similar and can be easily confused. Two of those words are savagely and savagery. While they may sound similar, they have different meanings and uses. In this article, we will explore the differences between savagely and savagery and how to use them correctly.

Savagely and savagery are both derived from the word savage, which means fierce, violent, or uncontrolled. However, they are used in different contexts and have different definitions.

Savagely is an adverb that means to do something in a fierce or violent manner. It can be used to describe physical actions, such as hitting or attacking, or non-physical actions, such as criticizing or speaking. For example, “He savagely attacked his opponent in the boxing ring” or “She savagely criticized her co-worker’s idea.”

Savagery, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the state of being savage or the act of behaving in a fierce or violent manner. It can be used to describe a person, group, or action. For example, “The savagery of the tribe’s rituals shocked the anthropologists” or “The savagery of the attack left the community in shock.”

In this article, we will delve deeper into the meanings and uses of savagely and savagery, providing examples and context to help you understand the differences between these two words.

Define Savagely

Savagely is an adverb that means to act in a violent or cruel manner. It can also mean to do something in an uncontrolled or unrestrained way. The term savagely is often used to describe actions that are brutal, ruthless, or ferocious.

For example, a person who attacks someone with a weapon is acting savagely. Similarly, a wild animal that kills its prey in a brutal manner can be said to have acted savagely.

Define Savagery

Savagery is a noun that refers to the state of being savage or uncivilized. It can also mean a brutal or violent act, particularly one that is committed in a primitive or uncivilized manner.

For example, a society that engages in cannibalism or human sacrifice can be said to be characterized by savagery. Similarly, a massacre or other violent act committed without regard for human life can be described as an act of savagery.

Comparison of Savagely vs Savagery

	Savagely	Savagery
Definition	An adverb that means to act violently or cruelly	A noun that refers to the state of being savage or uncivilized, or a brutal or violent act committed in a primitive manner
Usage	Used to describe actions that are brutal, ruthless, or ferocious	Used to describe societies or acts that are characterized by savagery or lack of civilization

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using words correctly in a sentence is crucial for effective communication. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “savagely” and “savagery” in a sentence.

How To Use “Savagely” In A Sentence

The word “savagely” is an adverb that describes an action done in a brutal or fierce manner. It can be used to intensify the meaning of a verb in a sentence. Here are some examples:

• He savagely attacked his opponent in the boxing ring.
• The lioness savagely hunted down her prey.
• The storm savagely destroyed the small town.

In each of these examples, the word “savagely” is used to emphasize the intensity and brutality of the action being described. It adds a vivid and descriptive element to the sentence.

How To Use “Savagery” In A Sentence

The word “savagery” is a noun that refers to the brutal or primitive behavior of humans or animals. It is often used to describe violent or cruel acts. Here are some examples:

• The savagery of the massacre shocked the entire world.
• The novel explores the savagery that can exist within human nature.
• The documentary depicted the savagery of the animal kingdom.

In each of these examples, the word “savagery” is used to describe the violent or primitive behavior being discussed. It adds a powerful and impactful element to the sentence.

By using “savagely” and “savagery” correctly in your writing, you can create more vivid and descriptive sentences that effectively convey your message.

More Examples Of Savagely & Savagery Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of how the words savagely and savagery are used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words are used and how they can add depth and nuance to your writing.

Examples Of Using Savagely In A Sentence

• The lion savagely attacked the gazelle, tearing it apart with its sharp claws.
• The killer whale savagely attacked the seal, tossing it into the air before swallowing it whole.
• The hurricane savagely battered the coast, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
• The boxer savagely punched his opponent, knocking him out cold.
• The dictator savagely suppressed dissent, imprisoning and torturing anyone who dared to speak out against him.
• The mob savagely beat the shopkeeper, leaving him bruised and bloodied on the sidewalk.
• The tornado savagely ripped through the town, flattening buildings and uprooting trees.
• The dog savagely attacked the mailman, biting him on the leg and refusing to let go.
• The serial killer savagely murdered his victims, leaving their bodies mutilated and disfigured.
• The soldiers savagely massacred the villagers, leaving no one alive.

Examples Of Using Savagery In A Sentence

• The savagery of the attack was shocking, leaving the victim with multiple broken bones and severe internal injuries.
• The savagery of the war left the country in ruins, with countless lives lost and families torn apart.
• The savagery of the storm was unprecedented, with winds reaching over 200 miles per hour and waves over 50 feet high.
• The savagery of the bullfight disgusted many, as the bull was repeatedly stabbed and taunted before finally being killed.
• The savagery of the rioters was appalling, as they looted and burned buildings and attacked innocent bystanders.
• The savagery of the animal testing industry has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who argue that it is cruel and unnecessary.
• The savagery of the torture inflicted on political prisoners was beyond comprehension, with methods ranging from waterboarding to electric shock.
• The savagery of the Vikings is legendary, as they pillaged and plundered their way across Europe, leaving death and destruction in their wake.
• The savagery of the gladiatorial games was a reflection of the brutal and violent nature of ancient Roman society.
• The savagery of the Inquisition was a dark chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, as thousands were tortured and executed for their beliefs.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “savagely” and “savagery,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. In this section, we will highlight the common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably and offer tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Using “Savagely” As A Noun

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “savagely” as a noun. For example, saying “the savagely of the attack was shocking” instead of “the savagery of the attack was shocking.” “Savagely” is an adverb that describes how something is done, while “savagery” is a noun that refers to the act of being savage or cruel.

Using “Savagery” As An Adverb

Another mistake people make is using “savagery” as an adverb. For example, saying “he acted savagery towards his opponent” instead of “he acted savagely towards his opponent.” “Savagery” is a noun, and it cannot be used to describe how something is done. Instead, “savagely” should be used to describe the manner in which the action was carried out.

Confusing The Meanings

Finally, people often confuse the meanings of “savagely” and “savagery.” “Savagely” refers to the manner in which something is done, while “savagery” refers to the act of being savage or cruel. It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to understand the difference between “savagely” and “savagery.” Here are some tips:

• Remember that “savagely” is an adverb that describes how something is done, while “savagery” is a noun that refers to the act of being savage or cruel.
• Use “savagely” to describe the manner in which an action was carried out.
• Use “savagery” to refer to the act of being savage or cruel.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used these words correctly.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “savagely” and “savagery,” context is key. The two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they have distinct meanings and connotations that can drastically change the tone and impact of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “savagely” and “savagery” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Preferred Word Choice
Describing an animal’s behavior	The lion attacked its prey savagely/savagery.	Savagely
Discussing a historical event	The colonizers treated the indigenous people with savagery/savagely.	Savagery
Describing a person’s actions	The killer acted savagely/savagery towards his victims.	Savagely

In the first example, “savagely” is the preferred word choice because it accurately describes the lion’s aggressive behavior towards its prey. “Savagery” would not be appropriate in this context because it is a noun and does not convey the same sense of action as “savagely.”

On the other hand, in the second example, “savagery” is the better choice because it accurately describes the colonizers’ cruel and inhumane treatment of the indigenous people. “Savagely” would not be appropriate in this context because it implies that the colonizers were actively engaging in the mistreatment, rather than perpetrating it through their policies and actions.

Finally, in the third example, “savagely” is again the preferred word choice because it accurately describes the killer’s violent actions towards his victims. “Savagery” would not be appropriate in this context because it is a noun and does not convey the same sense of physical violence as “savagely.”

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “savagely” and “savagery” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the specific meaning and connotations of each word when deciding which one to use in a particular sentence.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the use of savagely and savagery follows a certain set of rules, there are some exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Figurative Language

In figurative language, the use of savagely and savagery may not follow the usual rules. For instance, in a metaphor or simile, savagely and savagery can be used interchangeably to describe an action or behavior that is brutal or fierce.

• Example 1: “The storm savagely tore through the small town.”
• Example 2: “The savagery of the tiger was evident in its ferocious attack on its prey.”

2. Regional Differences

Regional differences can also affect the use of savagely and savagery. In some regions, one term may be more commonly used than the other, regardless of the context.

• Example 1: “The football player tackled his opponent savagely, causing a penalty.”
• Example 2: “The boxer showed savagery in the ring, knocking out his opponent in the first round.”

3. Historical Context

The historical context of a situation can also affect the use of savagely and savagery. In some cases, the terms may be used differently depending on the time period or cultural norms.

• Example 1: “The conquistadors savagely conquered the indigenous people of South America.”
• Example 2: “The savagery of war was evident in the destruction of the city.”

Overall, while there are rules for using savagely and savagery, it is important to consider the context and any exceptions that may apply to ensure the correct usage of these terms.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have explored the differences between savagely and savagery, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help improve your understanding and usage of these words.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (savagely or savagery) to complete the following sentences:

1. The lion attacked the gazelle __________.
2. The __________ of the battle was brutal and relentless.
3. She __________ tore the letter to pieces.
4. The __________ of the storm left the town in ruins.
5. The protestors were __________ beaten by the police.

Answer Key:

1. savagely
2. savagery
3. savagely
4. savagery
5. savagely

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words:

Savagely	Savagery
Example: The tiger pounced savagely on its prey.	Example: The savagery of the war left a lasting impact on the soldiers.
[Your sentence using savagely]	[Your sentence using savagery]
[Your sentence using savagely]	[Your sentence using savagery]
[Your sentence using savagely]	[Your sentence using savagery]

Explanation:

Writing sentences using the words savagely and savagery will help you become more comfortable with their meanings and usage. Try to use each word in a different context to expand your understanding of their versatility.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “savagely” and “savagery,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. “Savagely” describes an action that is done in a fierce or brutal manner, while “savagery” refers to a state of being uncivilized or barbaric.

It is important to understand the nuances of language and grammar to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. By choosing the right words to express our thoughts, we can convey our message clearly and accurately.

To continue improving your grammar and language use, consider reading books on the subject, taking courses, or working with a tutor or mentor. With dedication and practice, you can become a skilled communicator and enhance your personal and professional relationships.