remonstrance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyFormal
Quick answer
What does “remonstrance” mean?
A formal, strong, and often angry statement of protest or complaint against something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal, strong, and often angry statement of protest or complaint against something.
The act or process of remonstrating; a forcefully presented argument or objection, often in an attempt to change a decision or course of action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight preference for the verb form 'remonstrate' in modern UK usage. The noun 'remonstrance' is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it evokes historical, legal, or parliamentary contexts. It may sound slightly archaic or literary.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech in both regions. Primarily found in historical, political, legal, or literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “remonstrance” in a Sentence
to make a remonstrance against sthto deliver a remonstrance to sbin remonstrancea remonstrance about/regarding sthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remonstrance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She remonstrated with the council about the planned closure of the library.
American English
- He remonstrated against the judge's ruling, calling it unjust.
adverb
British English
- He spoke remonstratively about the policy change. (very rare)
American English
- She shook her head remonstratively. (very rare)
adjective
British English
- His remonstrative tone did little to change their minds. (rare)
American English
- She gave him a remonstrative look before he could continue. (rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal shareholder meetings or in protest against a board decision. e.g., 'The minority shareholders submitted a formal remonstrance against the merger terms.'
Academic
Found in historical, political science, or legal studies texts discussing formal protests, petitions, or diplomatic correspondence.
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Complaint' or 'objection' are used instead.
Technical
Used in historical/parliamentary contexts (e.g., 'the Grand Remonstrance' of 1641 in English history) and occasionally in formal diplomatic language.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remonstrance”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remonstrance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remonstrance”
- Misspelling as 'remonstr**a**nce' (correct) vs. 'remonstr**e**nce' (incorrect).
- Using it in casual contexts where 'complaint' is sufficient.
- Confusing it with 'demonstrance' (not a word).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Remonstrance' is a more formal, specific, and often written form of protest, typically involving reasoned arguments. A 'protest' can be any expression of objection, from a silent vigil to a loud march.
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word. It is almost never used in everyday conversation and is primarily encountered in historical, legal, or political writing.
No, the noun is 'remonstrance'. The related verb is 'to remonstrate' (to make a protest or argument against something).
The 'Grand Remonstrance' (1641) was a key document presented by the English Parliament to King Charles I, listing grievances against his rule and contributing to the events leading to the English Civil War.
A formal, strong, and often angry statement of protest or complaint against something.
Remonstrance is usually formal in register.
Remonstrance: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɒn.strəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɑːn.strəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to no remonstrance (idiomatic for 'to no avail')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-MONSTER-ANCE. A protest where you RE-peat that a decision is a MONSTER, and you take a stance (ANCE) against it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTEST IS A FORMAL DOCUMENT / PROTEST IS A FORCEFUL VERBAL ATTACK.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'remonstrance' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?