Brutalism is a controversial architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century. While the term "brutalism" originated from the French word "brut," meaning raw or unfinished, it is commonly associated with the austere, monolithic concrete constructions that characterize the movement. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to describe this style, such as rawness, severity, harshness, or even starkness. Other words that can be associated with brutalism include functionalism, simplicity, and minimalism, as the style emphasizes functionality and utility over ornamentation and decoration. Despite the polarizing opinions surrounding brutalism, it remains an important chapter in the history of architecture and design.