scold
C1Formal to neutral; slightly old-fashioned in some contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To reprimand or rebuke someone angrily, especially for a fault or misdeed, with words of criticism.
To find fault with or criticize harshly and persistently. Can also refer to a person (typically a woman, now archaic) who habitually criticizes or nags.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies anger and often a one-sided verbal attack, usually from a position of authority (e.g., parent, teacher) or moral superiority. Less severe than 'berate' but more emotionally charged than 'reprimand'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major syntactic differences. The noun form meaning 'a person who scolds' is now archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly stronger connotation of nagging or persistent fault-finding in British usage. In American English, it can sometimes carry a milder, more parental tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, but common in both. The word is perceived as somewhat traditional in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[S] scold [O] (for [V-ing])[S] scold [O] (for [N])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scold someone within an inch of their life (humorous/exaggerated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; considered unprofessional. 'Reprimand' or 'call out' is preferred.
Academic
Rare in formal writing; used in literary analysis or historical/sociological texts.
Everyday
Common, especially in family/child-rearing contexts. 'Tell off' is a more casual alternative.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The teacher will scold you for not doing your homework.
- She scolded him roundly for tracking mud on the new carpet.
American English
- My mom scolded me for coming home late.
- He scolded the team for their lack of effort.
adverb
British English
- She spoke scoldingly to the misbehaving dog.
- He shook his head scoldingly at the mess.
American English
- 'You know better,' she said scoldingly.
- He glanced scoldingly over his glasses.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a scolding look before he could speak.
- His scolding tone made the children quiet instantly.
American English
- I received a scolding email from my boss about the deadline.
- Her scolding remarks were meant to be constructive.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mother scolds her child for running.
- Do not scold the cat.
- My boss scolded me for being late to the meeting.
- He is always scolding his younger brother.
- The coach scolded the players soundly for their careless performance.
- She resisted the urge to scold him, knowing he felt guilty already.
- The editorial scolded the government for its inaction on the climate crisis.
- He was roundly scolded by the committee for his breach of protocol.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cold SCOLD - someone's angry words make you feel cold and chastised.
Conceptual Metaphor
VERBAL ATTACK IS PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT (to scold is to inflict verbal blows).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ругать' in all contexts; 'scold' is more specific to an angry, one-sided reprimand, often by an authority figure. 'Ругать' is broader and can be mutual. Avoid using 'scold' for light teasing or friendly banter.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for mutual arguments (e.g., 'They scolded each other' is unusual).
- Using it without a clear object of the scolding (e.g., 'He was scolding.' needs context).
- Overusing in formal writing where 'reprimand' or 'criticize' is better.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'scold' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary in very formal contexts. In business, 'reprimand' or 'criticize' is often preferred.
It's unusual because 'scold' typically implies a power dynamic where the scolder has authority or moral high ground. A child scolding a parent would be notable and imply a role reversal.
'Scold' is a single, angry reprimand for a specific fault. 'Nag' implies repeated, persistent criticism, often about minor things, and carries a stronger sense of annoyance.
No, this usage is now archaic. In modern English, 'scold' is almost exclusively a verb (or derived adjective/adverb).