Savageness vs Savagery: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to discussing the differences between savageness and savagery, it’s important to understand the nuances of each term. While they may seem similar on the surface, they have distinct meanings that can greatly impact how they are used.

Savageness is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being savage. It can be used to describe something that is wild, untamed, or uncivilized. It can also refer to a fierce or brutal nature, as well as an untamed or uncontrolled behavior.

Savagery, on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the quality or state of being savage or brutal. It can be used to describe a violent or cruel act, as well as a barbaric or uncivilized behavior. It can also refer to a state of being that is characterized by a lack of civilization or culture.

While the terms savageness and savagery may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences between the two that are worth exploring. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meanings of these two words and examine how they are used in different contexts.

Define Savageness

Savageness refers to the state of being wild, untamed, or uncivilized. It is a term that is often used to describe the behavior of animals or humans who exhibit primal instincts and lack social norms or manners. Savageness can manifest in various forms, such as aggression, violence, or brutality. It is a quality that is often associated with the natural world, where survival of the fittest is the rule.

Examples of savageness can be found in the animal kingdom, where predators hunt their prey and fight for dominance. In humans, savageness can be seen in acts of war, terrorism, or crime. It is a quality that is often condemned by society and considered a threat to civilized behavior.

Define Savagery

Savagery is a term that is closely related to savageness, but it carries a more negative connotation. It refers to the state of being barbaric, cruel, or inhumane. Savagery is often used to describe behavior that is not only wild or untamed but also morally reprehensible.

Examples of savagery can be found in history, where atrocities such as genocide, slavery, or torture have been committed by humans against other humans. Savagery can also be observed in contemporary society, where acts of cruelty, bullying, or discrimination are prevalent. It is a quality that is often associated with a lack of empathy or compassion and is considered a threat to human dignity and rights.

Comparison between Savageness and Savagery

	Savageness	Savagery
Definition	The state of being wild, untamed, or uncivilized	The state of being barbaric, cruel, or inhumane
Connotation	Neutral or negative	Negative
Examples	Animal behavior, human aggression	Genocide, slavery, torture, cruelty, bullying, discrimination
Impact	May be harmful or beneficial depending on the context	Usually harmful to individuals or society

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to the words savageness and savagery, it is important to understand their meanings and how to use them correctly in a sentence. Both words have similar definitions, but they are not interchangeable. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of these words.

How To Use Savageness In A Sentence

Savageness is a noun that refers to the quality of being savage or wild. It can also describe something that is cruel or brutal. Here are some examples of how to use savageness in a sentence:

• The savageness of the tiger’s attack was terrifying.
• The savageness of the storm caused widespread destruction.
• The savageness of the dictator’s regime was well-known.

As you can see from these examples, savageness is used to describe something that is intense, violent, or extreme.

How To Use Savagery In A Sentence

Savagery is also a noun that refers to the quality of being savage or wild. However, it is often used to describe the behavior or actions of a person or group. It can also describe a state of being primitive or uncivilized. Here are some examples of how to use savagery in a sentence:

• The savagery of the tribe’s rituals shocked the anthropologists.
• The savagery of the war left a lasting impact on the soldiers.
• The savagery of the criminals was evident in their brutal attacks.

As you can see from these examples, savagery is used to describe behavior or actions that are brutal, violent, or uncivilized.

It is important to note that while both words have similar meanings, they are not interchangeable. Savageness is used to describe a quality or characteristic, while savagery is used to describe behavior or actions. By using these words correctly, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More Examples Of Savageness & Savagery Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between savageness and savagery, it is important to see how these words are used in sentences. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Savageness In A Sentence

• The savageness of the lion’s attack was terrifying to witness.
• Her words were filled with such savageness that it left him speechless.
• The savageness of the storm caused widespread damage to the town.
• The savageness of the competition was evident in the athletes’ fierce determination to win.
• He was shocked by the savageness of the war and the atrocities committed by both sides.
• The savageness of the wilderness was both beautiful and dangerous.
• The savageness of the crowd was palpable as they cheered on their team.
• The savageness of the disease was evident in the rapid deterioration of his health.
• The savageness of the dog’s bark scared away the intruder.
• She was taken aback by the savageness of his response to her question.

Examples Of Using Savagery In A Sentence

• The savagery of the crime was shocking to the entire community.
• The savagery of the dictator’s regime was well-documented.
• The savagery of the battle was captured in the vivid descriptions of the soldiers who fought in it.
• The savagery of the animal kingdom is both fascinating and brutal.
• The savagery of the storm left the town in shambles.
• The savagery of the terrorist attack left a lasting impact on the city.
• The savagery of the sea was evident in the way it battered the ship.
• The savagery of the wild west was a popular theme in many Hollywood movies.
• The savagery of the prison system was exposed in a recent documentary.
• The savagery of the mob was terrifying to witness as they rioted in the streets.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to the usage of the words savageness and savagery, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which is incorrect. Here are some common mistakes that people make when using these words:

Using Savageness And Savagery As Synonyms

One of the most common mistakes people make is using savageness and savagery as synonyms. Although both words convey a similar meaning, they are not interchangeable. Savageness refers to the quality of being savage, while savagery refers to the act of being savage.

For example, one can say that the savageness of the lion was evident in its ferocious roar. On the other hand, one can say that the savagery of the lion was evident in its attack on the prey.

Using Savageness As A Noun

Another mistake people make is using savageness as a noun. Savageness is an adjective and should be used to describe a noun. For instance, instead of saying “The savageness of the tribe was alarming,” one should say “The tribe’s savagery was alarming.”

Using Savagery To Describe Human Behavior

Many people use savagery to describe human behavior, which is incorrect. Savagery should only be used to describe the behavior of animals or non-human entities. Instead, one should use words like brutality, barbarism, or cruelty to describe human behavior.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:

• Always check the context in which the words are being used.
• Use savageness as an adjective to describe a noun.
• Use savagery to describe the behavior of animals or non-human entities.
• Use words like brutality, barbarism, or cruelty to describe human behavior.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between savageness and savagery, context plays a crucial role. The two terms may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they have distinct meanings that can affect the tone and message of your writing. Understanding the nuances of each term and how they relate to different contexts can help you make the right choice for your content.

Savageness

Savageness refers to a wild, untamed quality that can be both positive and negative. In some contexts, savageness can connote a sense of freedom and authenticity, as in the case of an artist who creates raw, unpolished work that reflects their true self. In other contexts, savageness can be seen as dangerous or uncivilized, as in the case of a person who behaves violently or recklessly.

Savagery

Savagery, on the other hand, is typically used to describe behavior that is cruel, brutal, or inhumane. It is often associated with acts of violence or aggression that go beyond what is considered acceptable in a given society. While savageness can be seen as a natural or even desirable quality in some contexts, savagery is almost always viewed as negative.

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between savageness and savagery might change:

Art And Creativity

• In an article about a musician who embraces their savageness by rejecting mainstream trends and creating music that is raw and unfiltered, using the term “savageness” might be appropriate.
• However, if the same article were discussing a musician who engages in violent behavior or promotes hate speech, using the term “savagery” would be more appropriate.

Nature And The Environment

• If you are writing about a pristine wilderness area that has been left untouched by human development, using the term “savageness” might highlight its natural beauty and wildness.
• However, if you are writing about an area that has been damaged by pollution or other human activity, using the term “savagery” might underscore the destructive impact of human behavior.

Politics And Society

• If you are writing about a political movement that seeks to upend the status quo and create a more just society, using the term “savageness” might convey a sense of revolutionary spirit and determination.
• However, if you are writing about a group that engages in violent or oppressive behavior in pursuit of their goals, using the term “savagery” might highlight the harm they are causing.

Ultimately, the choice between savageness and savagery depends on the specific context and the message you are trying to convey. By understanding the connotations of each term and how they relate to different situations, you can use language more effectively to communicate your ideas and connect with your audience.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using savageness and savagery are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply.

1. Contextual Usage

One exception to the rules for using savageness and savagery is contextual usage. In certain contexts, the words may be used interchangeably or with slightly different meanings. For example, in the context of a sports game, the use of savageness may refer to the players’ fierce competitiveness and drive to win. In this context, savagery may also be used to describe the players’ aggressive behavior on the field.

2. Historical Usage

Another exception to the rules for using savageness and savagery is historical usage. In some historical contexts, the words may have different connotations than they do today. For example, in the context of colonialism, the use of savageness may have been used to describe the perceived lack of civilization and culture in indigenous populations. In this context, savagery may have been used to describe the violent and barbaric behavior of colonizers towards indigenous populations.

3. Regional Usage

Regional usage is also an exception to the rules for using savageness and savagery. In certain regions, the words may be used differently or have slightly different meanings. For example, in some regions, the use of savageness may be more commonly used to describe a person’s wild and untamed nature, while savagery may be used to describe their violent and aggressive behavior.

4. Idiomatic Usage

Finally, idiomatic usage is an exception to the rules for using savageness and savagery. In certain idiomatic expressions, the words may be used in unique ways that do not follow the standard rules. For example, the phrase “savage beauty” may be used to describe something that is both beautiful and wild, despite the fact that savageness typically connotes a negative connotation.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of savageness and savagery is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you sharpen your skills:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

For each sentence, choose the correct word (savageness or savagery) to fill in the blank:

1. The __________ of the lion’s attack was terrifying.
2. The __________ of the tribe’s customs was fascinating to the anthropologist.
3. She was shocked by the __________ of the crime committed.
4. He was known for his __________ in battle.
5. The __________ of the storm caused widespread damage.

Answer Key:

1. savagery
2. savageness
3. savagery
4. savageness
5. savagery

Exercise 2: Use In A Sentence

Write a sentence using either savageness or savagery:

Answer Key:

1. The savageness of the animal’s attack was shocking.
2. The savagery of the war left a lasting impact on the country.
3. The savageness of the storm caused power outages and flooding.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of savageness and savagery in your writing and communication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison between savageness and savagery reveals the intricate nature of language use and the importance of grammar in conveying meaning. Savageness, as a term, has evolved to connote a positive and admirable quality, while savagery remains a negative and undesirable trait. However, both terms have their place in the English language and can be used to effectively communicate different ideas and concepts.

Throughout this article, we have explored the origins and definitions of these two terms, as well as their usage in literature and popular culture. We have also discussed the importance of understanding the nuances of language use and the impact it can have on communication.

Key Takeaways

• Savageness and savagery are two distinct terms with different connotations.
• Savageness has come to represent a positive and admirable quality, while savagery is considered negative and undesirable.
• Understanding the nuances of language use is crucial in effective communication.

It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to ensure that we are communicating effectively and conveying the intended meaning. By expanding our vocabulary and understanding of language, we can improve our communication skills and build stronger connections with those around us.