Meaning & Definition of word "Berate"

Berate

/bɪˈreɪt/

1. To scold or criticize someone angrily.
- Example: The teacher berated the students for not completing their assignments on time.
2. To reprimand or reproach in a loud and angry manner.
- Example: After the mistake, his boss berated him in front of the entire office.
3. To express disapproval or scorn through harsh words.
- Example: She didn't appreciate being berated publicly for a minor error.
4. To chide or rebuke severely.
- Example: The coach berated the team after their disappointing performance in the game.
5. To criticize someone in a harsh and abusive way.
- Example: The critic berated the film for its poor plot and shallow characters.

●Derives from the prefix 'be-' meaning 'about' and 'rate', which is from the Old English 'ræde' meaning 'to advise'.

berate someone:

To scold someone fiercely.

berate over:

To criticize someone intensely about a specific issue.

reprimand:

To formally express disapproval.

scold:

To rebuke someone, typically for misbehavior.

rebuke:

To express sharp disapproval or criticism.

Meaning: Lay into someone

● Example Sentence: He really laid into him for missing practice.

Meaning: Give someone a dressing down

● Example Sentence: The manager gave her a dressing down for the mistake.