chide
C1Formal, Literary. Archaic in everyday conversation.
Definition
Meaning
To scold or rebuke someone mildly, typically for a fault, shortcoming, or misbehaviour.
To express disapproval or criticism in a formal, often old-fashioned, or gently reproachful manner. It implies a corrective intent rather than severe anger.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Connotes a tone of disappointment or gentle reprimand, often from a position of authority or moral superiority. Less harsh than 'scold' or 'berate'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major grammatical or meaning differences. Slightly more prevalent in British literary and formal contexts.
Connotations
In both dialects, it has an archaic or literary flavour. It may sound quaint or deliberately formal.
Frequency
Uncommon in contemporary spoken English in both regions. More likely encountered in writing, period dramas, or formal speeches.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] chides [Object] for [Gerund/Noun Phrase][Subject] chides [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'chide'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal feedback: 'The manager chided the team for the persistent procedural errors.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis or historical texts to describe character interactions.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound formal or old-fashioned: 'She chided her son for forgetting his keys.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He chided his colleague for the lack of thoroughness in the report.
- The headmaster chided the pupils for their untidy uniforms.
American English
- She chided her friend for being late to the meeting.
- The senator chided the opposition for its lack of bipartisanship.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My mother chided me for leaving the lights on.
- The teacher chided the class for not doing their homework.
- The editor chided the journalist for the factual inaccuracies in the article.
- He was gently chided by his mentor for his overconfidence.
- The review chides the author for relying on outdated sources, undermining the thesis.
- Historians often chide popular films for their egregious historical inaccuracies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a parent saying, 'Ch, ch, ch...' in mild disapproval, then adding '...I'd expect better.' -> CH-I-DE.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECTION IS A VERBAL TOOL (gentle tool). MORAL FAILURE IS A STAIN (to be pointed out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'ругать' (to scold) which is stronger and more common. Closer to 'пожурить', 'упрекать', 'делать выговор'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts where 'tell off' or 'scold' is more natural.
- Confusing it with 'chide' as a noun (it is only a verb).
- Incorrect past tense: 'chided' (standard), not 'chid' (archaic).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'chide' most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered formal and somewhat archaic. It is more common in writing and formal speech than in everyday conversation.
'Chide' suggests a milder, more reproachful, and often more formal correction. 'Scold' implies stronger displeasure and is more common in everyday contexts.
The standard modern forms are 'chided' for both. The archaic forms 'chid' and 'chidden' are rarely used today.
It is typically transitive, requiring a direct object (the person being reprimanded). However, in literary contexts, it can sometimes be used intransitively (e.g., 'She chided gently').