'brutally' originates from the Latin word 'brutalis', where 'brutus' meant 'heavy, dull, or stupid'.

'brutalis' transformed into the Old French word 'brutal', and eventually became the modern English word 'brutal', with 'brutally' as its adverbial form.

Initially, it meant 'heavy or dull', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'savage or harsh'.