Berate: meaning, definitions and examples

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berate

[bɪˈreɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a conversation

To scold or criticize someone angrily. It often involves harsh words and a tone of disapproval.

Synonyms

chastise, rebuke, reprimand, scold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
berate	Used when criticizing someone severely and at length. Often implies anger and may be seen as harsh or excessive. The manager berated the employee for their repeated mistakes She was berated by her parents for staying out too late
scold	This word is less formal and more common in everyday conversations. It implies nagging or mildly angrily telling someone off, often used with children. She scolded her son for not cleaning his room The babysitter scolded the kids for making a mess
rebuke	Common in formal settings or conversations. Used to express sharp disapproval or criticism, usually of someone's actions or behavior. The board members rebuked the CEO for his lack of transparency She received a rebuke from her supervisor for missing the deadline
reprimand	Often used in professional or formal environments. It implies a formal expression of disapproval, often written or official. The officer received a written reprimand for misconduct The employee was reprimanded for arriving late to work multiple times
chastise	Typically used for scolding someone harshly, but can be less intense than berate. Often conveys a sense of correcting behavior. He was chastised for his poor performance on the test The teacher chastised the students for talking during the lesson

Examples of usage

She berated him for forgetting their anniversary.
The boss berated the employees for their poor performance.
Don't berate yourself for making a mistake, learn from it instead.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a public setting

To criticize or rebuke someone in a public or formal manner, often with the intention of making them feel ashamed or guilty.

Synonyms

castigate, censure, condemn, upbraid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
berate	When you want to strongly criticize someone, usually in an angry manner. She berated her son for coming home late The manager berated the team for missing the deadline
condemn	When you want to express strong disapproval or declare something morally wrong, often with a sense of finality. The human rights organization condemned the government's actions The community condemned the plans to demolish the historic building
censure	When there is formal disapproval or criticism, often by an authority or organization. The committee voted to censure the politician for unethical behavior The board's censure of the CEO was a harsh response to the scandal
castigate	When you want to severely punish or criticize someone, often in a formal context. The principal castigated the students for vandalizing school property The coach castigated the athlete for breaking the rules
upbraid	When you want to criticize someone in a severe or intense manner, often face-to-face. She upbraided her brother for borrowing her car without permission The professor upbraided the student for plagiarism

Examples of usage

The politician was berated by the press for his controversial remarks.
The teacher berated the student in front of the class for cheating on the exam.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the combination of 'be-' (to make) and 'rate' (to scold), coming together in the late 19th century.
The word has Old English roots where 'beraten' meant to 'scold or reproach'.
In different languages, similar words exist such as 'reprimand' in French, showing a commonality in the meaning across cultures.

Psychology

Being berated can lead to feelings of shame and low self-esteem, affecting mental health.
Experiencing harsh criticism often triggers a fight-or-flight response, leading to heightened stress levels.
Some studies suggest that negative feedback, when given excessively, can decrease motivation and hinder learning.

Pop Culture

In films, intense berating scenes often highlight the dynamics of power between characters, echoing real-life confrontations.
Comedians frequently use the concept of berating in their routines to illustrate absurdity in everyday criticism.
Reality TV often showcases moments where contestants are publicly berated, offering drama that captivates viewers.

Literature

Classic literary figures often use berating speeches as a form of character development, revealing conflicts.
In Shakespeare’s plays, characters often confront others with poignant berating that showcases their moral stances.
Modern novels sometimes depict moments of beratement to illustrate generational differences and family dynamics.

Education

Educators warn against berating students, as it can stifle their willingness to participate or express themselves.
Positive reinforcement is often encouraged over berating in classrooms to foster a supporting learning environment.
Research shows that constructive criticism can be more effective than berating, leading to increased understanding and improvement.

Translations

Translations of the word "berate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 repreender

🇮🇳 फटकारना

🇩🇪 schelten

🇮🇩 mencaci

🇺🇦 сварити

🇵🇱 ganić

🇯🇵 叱る (shikaru)

🇫🇷 réprimander

🇪🇸 reprender

🇹🇷 azarlamak

🇰🇷 꾸짖다 (kkujitda)

🇸🇦 يوبخ

🇨🇿 kárat

🇸🇰 karhať

🇨🇳 斥责 (chìzé)

🇸🇮 grajati

🇮🇸 ávíta

🇰🇿 сөгу

🇬🇪 გაკრიტიკება

🇦🇿 danlamaq

🇲🇽 reprender

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,757 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
32754 civilising
32755 kudos
32756 anticlimax
32757 berate
32758 mutate
32759 embitter
32760 vicissitude
...