What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
excoriate
Example
The coach excoriated the team for their poor performance in the game. [excoriated: verb]
Example
She was excoriated by her boss for missing the deadline. [excoriated: past tense]
castigate
Example
The judge castigated the defendant for his heinous crime. [castigated: verb]
Example
The teacher castigated the student for cheating on the exam. [castigated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excoriate is more commonly used in everyday language than castigate. However, castigate is more commonly used in formal or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between excoriate and castigate?
Castigate is more formal than excoriate and is often used in legal or academic contexts. Excoriate is more informal and is commonly used in everyday language.
