What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
castigate
Example
The teacher castigated the student for cheating on the exam. [castigated: past tense verb]
Example
The boss castigated the employee in front of the entire team for their poor performance. [castigating: gerund or present participle]
chastise
Example
The parent chastised their child for breaking the vase. [chastised: past tense verb]
Example
The coach chastised the player for not following the team's rules. [chastising: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chastise is more commonly used than castigate in everyday language. Chastise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while castigate is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between castigate and chastise?
While castigate is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, chastise can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing for a wider range of usage.
