What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chasten
Example
The teacher chastened the student for not completing their homework. [chastened: past tense]
Example
His failure in the exam chastened him and made him realize the importance of studying. [chastened: verb]
scold
Example
My mom scolded me for coming home late. [scolded: past tense]
Example
The boss scolded the employee for making a careless mistake. [scolded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scold is more commonly used than chasten in everyday language. Scold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while chasten is less common and tends to be used in more formal or educational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chasten and scold?
While chasten is typically associated with a formal tone, scold is more informal and commonly used in personal relationships or casual conversations.
