berated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “berated” mean?
To scold or criticize (someone) angrily and at length.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To scold or criticize (someone) angrily and at length.
To subject someone to a harsh, sustained verbal attack, often expressing strong disapproval for a perceived fault or mistake.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in written narratives in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes formal reprimand, strong authority, and severe disapproval in both dialects.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “berated” in a Sentence
Subject + berated + Object (for + NP/gerund)Subject + berated + Object + about + NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “berated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster berated the pupils for their lack of respect.
- He was soundly berated in the editorial for his careless remarks.
American English
- The coach berated the players for their lackluster performance.
- She berated the contractor about the constant delays.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO berated the marketing team for the failed campaign launch.
Academic
The historian berated the simplistic interpretation of the primary sources.
Everyday
She berated her brother for forgetting to lock the front door.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts; more common in managerial or interpersonal descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “berated”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “berated”
- Confusing spelling: 'berrated' (double r) is incorrect.
- Using it for minor criticism: 'She berated me for being two minutes late' is too strong for the context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal or literary. In everyday speech, 'told off', 'scolded', or 'yelled at' are more common.
'Berated' is much stronger and implies angry, harsh, and prolonged scolding. 'Criticized' can be calm, constructive, and brief.
Yes, the phrase 'berate oneself' is common and means to scold or criticize oneself harshly for a mistake.
There is no direct, commonly used noun. Related nouns are 'berating' (the act) or more general terms like 'tirade', 'reprimand', or 'rebuke'.
To scold or criticize (someone) angrily and at length.
Berated: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈreɪtɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈreɪt̬ɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BE-RATED' as if someone is being given a very bad rating, loudly and angrily.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERBAL ATTACK IS PHYSICAL ASSAULT (e.g., 'He tore into them,' 'She laid into him'). Berating is a sustained verbal beating.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'berated' INCORRECTLY?