beastly
Meaning
very unpleasant or disagreeable
of or like a beast; brutal
Structure
Usage
the weather turned beastly just as we started our picnic.
he was in a beastly mood after hearing the bad news.
such beastly cruelty towards animals is utterly unacceptable.
Etymology
the word "beastly" is a straightforward english formation, combining the noun "beast" with the adjectival suffix "-ly." the term "beast" itself has a long lineage, entering english via old french "beste," which originated from latin "bestia," meaning a wild animal. the latin term is of uncertain origin, though it may be related to a proto-indo-european root for "to breathe." the suffix "-ly," from old english "-līc," is used to form adjectives indicating possession of a quality. therefore, the literal construction "beast-ly" means "having the qualities of a beast." over time, while it retains the literal sense of being brutish or animal-like, its dominant modern usage has shifted to a colloquial intensifier meaning very unpleasant or disagreeable, reflecting a cultural association of beastly behavior with something objectionable.
Analysis
beast (from old french beste, from latin bestia, meaning "beast, animal") + ly (from old english -līc, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "having the qualities of")