What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chastise
Example
The teacher chastised the student for not completing their homework. [chastised: past tense verb]
Example
He was chastised by his boss for arriving late to work. [chastised: past participle]
scold
Example
My mom scolded me for forgetting to do my chores. [scolded: past tense verb]
Example
The teacher scolded the students for talking during the class. [scolded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scold is more commonly used than chastise in everyday language. Scold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while chastise is less common and tends to be used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chastise and scold?
While chastise is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, scold can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing for a more casual expression of disapproval or criticism.
