remonstrant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “remonstrant” mean?
A person who forcefully protests, objects, or argues against something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who forcefully protests, objects, or argues against something.
Characterized by or involved in the act of remonstrating; expressing a strong protest or objection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage patterns are identical, though the term is slightly more common in British formal/historical writing.
Connotations
Formal, potentially archaic; carries historical/religious connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects; primarily found in historical, legal, or theological texts.
Grammar
How to Use “remonstrant” in a Sentence
remonstrant against [NP]remonstrant on behalf of [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “remonstrant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb is 'remonstrate', not 'remonstrant'. He chose to remonstrate with the council.
American English
- The verb is 'remonstrate'. She remonstrated against the policy change.
adverb
British English
- The derived adverb is 'remonstrantly', though extremely rare. He spoke remonstrantly.
American English
- The adverb 'remonstrantly' is seldom used. She argued remonstrantly.
adjective
British English
- He wrote her a remonstrant letter outlining his vehement objections.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear in formal complaints: 'The board faced a lone remonstrant against the merger.'
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and political studies discussing dissent.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in church history for the Dutch Arminian Protestants.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “remonstrant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “remonstrant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “remonstrant”
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'remonstrate').
- Confusing it with 'remonstrance' (the noun for the act).
- Misspelling as 'remonstrante'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word primarily used in historical, religious, or legal contexts.
'Remonstrate' is the verb meaning to protest or argue forcibly. 'Remonstrant' is primarily a noun for a person who does this, or an adjective describing such a person or action.
Yes, the Remonstrants were Dutch Protestants in the early 17th century who opposed strict Calvinist predestination, leading to a major synod (the Synod of Dort).
It would sound highly formal and possibly archaic. More common synonyms like 'protester', 'objector', or 'critic' are preferred in everyday speech.
A person who forcefully protests, objects, or argues against something.
Remonstrant is usually formal in register.
Remonstrant: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɒnstrənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈmɑːnstrənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the remonstrant”
- “in a remonstrant vein”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of REMONstrant: RE-MONster. Imagine someone protesting against a monster, being a strong objector.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTEST IS A VOICE / DISSENT IS A STAND
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'remonstrant' most accurately used?