"Brutally" not only refers to the force applied during the conversation but also the lack of escalation in communicating the sentiment. There is a difference be

"Brutally" not only refers to the force applied during the conversation but also the lack of escalation in communicating the sentiment. There is a difference between being passive/aggressive or subtle and giving constructive criticism in an unemotional way. The former is easier and ineffective whereas the latter is an exercise in empathy and self-control.