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Upbraided Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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upbraided

[สŒpหˆbreษชdษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

reprimanding someone

To upbraid someone means to scold or criticize them severely. This term is often used when someone has committed a mistake or behaved poorly, and another person seeks to express their disappointment or disapproval. The act of upbraiding can involve a passionate or accusatory tone. It can also imply a sense of moral outrage or indignation. Upbraiding is more formal than just regular criticism and often involves an element of teaching or correction.

Synonyms

berate, chide, rebuke, reprimand, scold.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher upbraided the student for not turning in his homework.
  • After the mistake, her boss upbraided her in front of the team.
  • He was upbraided by his friends for not being more supportive.
  • The parent upbraided the child for speaking disrespectfully.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare used the concept of scolding in several plays to highlight moral lessons, demonstrating that criticism can aim for improvement.
  • In literature, upbraiding characters often serve as moral voices, calling out wrongdoing to evoke change or awareness.
  • Classic novels frequently portray parental figures using this method to guide young characters on their life choices.

Psychology

  • Criticism, like upbraiding, can affect self-esteem. Positive feedback is generally more effective than harsh criticism for improvement.
  • The act of scolding can create stress responses in individuals, which can affect their mental and emotional health.
  • Research shows that constructive criticism can boost performance, while harsh upbraiding may lead to resentment or disengagement.

Cultural Reflections

  • Different cultures have unique ways of addressing mistakes, some more direct like upbraiding, while others may use subtler approaches.
  • In some cultures, public reprimanding is considered disrespectful, whereas in others, it's seen as essential for maintaining social order.
  • Historical texts from various societies illustrate how the norms of scolding have evolved, often reflecting broader societal values.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'getting called out' in modern slang parallels the concept of being upbraided, often used in discussions of accountability.
  • Reality TV often showcases moments of upbraiding, as confrontations between characters frequently draw audience engagement.
  • Sitcoms often employ this comedic device, where characters scold each other but in a humorous way, drawing laughs while marking a mistake.

Origin of 'upbraided'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Old English word 'upbraid' which means to reproach or scold.
  • It is built from 'up' and 'braid' where 'braid' was thought to mean to 'weave' in the context of combining or mixing words with criticism.
  • The word has been used since at least the 15th century and reflects a long-standing tradition of verbal reprimands in English.

The word 'upbraid' comes from the Old English term 'upbraidan', which means 'to reproach or scold.' Its roots can be traced to 'braid', which in this context means to 'reproach or accuse.' The prefix 'up-' implies a sense of upward intensity, indicating a strong or elevated form of reprimanding. The usage of 'upbraid' has been prevalent since the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of social decorum and moral responsibility during that time. Over centuries, the term has maintained its meaning and intensity, often used in literary or formal contexts to convey a strong disapproval of actions or behaviors that are deemed unacceptable.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,976, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.