rebuke
C1formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
to express sharp, stern, or angry disapproval of someone because of their behavior or actions
A formal or official reprimand; a forceful criticism intended to correct or discourage unacceptable conduct, often from a position of authority or moral superiority
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a sharp, often public, criticism intended to shame or correct. Stronger than 'reprimand' or 'admonish'; carries connotations of moral authority and indignation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British formal/written contexts (e.g., parliamentary language, editorial writing). In American English, often found in religious, literary, or very formal administrative contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries a formal, stern tone. In British usage, may subtly imply a class-based or institutional hierarchy. In American, often associated with biblical/moralistic language.
Frequency
Low-frequency in spoken language for both; primarily written/formal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rebuke someone for somethingrebuke someone over somethingrebuke someone's actions/behaviourissue/deliver a rebuke to someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a stinging rebuke”
- “a rebuke to (someone/something) - e.g., 'The election result was a sharp rebuke to the establishment.'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal reports about regulatory actions or board-level criticisms. e.g., 'The committee rebuked the CEO for the compliance failure.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, or literary analysis to describe formal criticism. e.g., 'The philosopher's treatise was a rebuke to the prevailing empiricism of the age.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Would sound excessively formal or dramatic.
Technical
Not typical in technical fields outside of specific contexts like ethics reviews or parliamentary procedure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headmaster rebuked the pupils for their disrespectful conduct in the chapel.
- The minister was rebuked by the committee over the expenses scandal.
- She rebuked him sharply, her voice cold with disapproval.
American English
- The senator rebuked her colleague for his inflammatory remarks on the floor.
- The editorial rebuked the city council for its inaction on the housing crisis.
- He felt rebuked by her silent, dismissive glance.
adverb
British English
- 'That is quite enough,' she said rebukingly.
American English
- He shook his head rebukingly at the suggestion.
adjective
British English
- The rebuked minister offered a hesitant apology.
- He spoke in a rebuking tone that silenced the room.
American English
- She gave him a rebuking look across the dinner table.
- The report's rebuking language was unexpected.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher rebuked the student for talking in class.
- His father's rebuke made him feel ashamed.
- The judge issued a stern rebuke to the lawyer for being unprepared.
- The report contained a sharp rebuke of the government's environmental policy.
- The ambassador's speech was seen as a diplomatic rebuke to the host country's actions.
- She rebuked the notion that the company was solely responsible, shifting the blame squarely onto systemic failures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE-BUKE' sounds like 're-boot' but for behavior – you're forcefully restarting someone's attitude with criticism.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A PHYSICAL BLOW/FORCE ('a stinging rebuke', 'to deliver a rebuke'). AUTHORITY IS HEIGHT/MORAL HIGH GROUND ('to rebuke from on high').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with Russian брань ('bran' - swear/scold). 'Rebuke' is not about swearing; it's formal, stern disapproval, often silent or highly controlled. Closer to выговор (строгий) / подозрение.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts. Confusing it with 'reject' or 'refute'. Incorrect preposition: 'rebuke someone *about* something' (less common; 'for' or 'over' is standard).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'rebuke' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Rebuke' is the strongest, suggesting sharp, stern disapproval, often with moral indignation. 'Reprimand' is official, often formal/written (e.g., from a superior). 'Admonish' is milder, implying warning or gentle correction.
Yes, very commonly. e.g., 'He received a stern rebuke.' The noun form is as frequent as the verb.
No. It is a formal, literary word. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'tell off', 'scold', 'criticize', or 'chew out' (informal).
Most common: [Subject] rebukes [Person/Entity] for [Action/Thing]. e.g., 'The critic rebuked the author for the novel's historical inaccuracies.' As a noun: '[Adjective] rebuke to/from...' e.g., 'a public rebuke from his peers.'