What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reprehend
Example
The professor reprehended the student's argument for its lack of evidence. [reprehend: verb]
Example
The parents reprehended their child for lying to them. [reprehended: past tense]
Example
The community leaders reprehended the politician for his unethical behavior. [reprehending: present participle]
scold
Example
The teacher scolded the student for talking during class. [scold: verb]
Example
The boss scolded the employee for being late to work. [scolded: past tense]
Example
The mother scolded her child for not cleaning up his room. [scolding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scold is more commonly used than reprehend in everyday language, especially in the context of parental or disciplinary correction towards a child's misbehavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reprehend and scold?
Reprehend is more formal and academic than scold, making it more appropriate for professional or academic contexts where a neutral and objective tone is required.
