What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scolded
Example
The teacher scolded the student for not completing their homework. [scolded: past tense]
Example
She scolded her dog for chewing on her shoes. [scolded: verb]
reprimanded
Example
He was reprimanded by his boss for being late to work. [reprimanded: past tense]
Example
The company policy stated that employees would be reprimanded for violating safety regulations. [reprimanded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scolded is more common than reprimanded in everyday language and is used in personal and professional contexts. Reprimanded is more formal and is typically used in professional or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scolded and reprimanded?
Reprimanded is a more formal word than scolded and is often used in professional or legal contexts. Scolded is less formal and can be used in personal or informal contexts.
