Basic Details
Word: Scold
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To speak to someone in an angry or critical way because they have done something wrong.
Synonyms: Rebuke, reprimand, chide
Antonyms: Praise, commend, encourage
Idioms and Phrases
- Scold someone like a naughty child: To criticise someone severely as if they were a misbehaving child. Example: "The teacher scolded him like a naughty child when he forgot his homework."
- Turn a blind eye: To ignore something that you know is wrong, rather than scolding. Example: "Sometimes, it is better to turn a blind eye rather than scold a friend for a small mistake."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The mother had to scold her son for not cleaning his room.
Example 2: The coach scolded the players for not following the game plan.
Example 3: Instead of scolding her daughter, she chose to explain why honesty is important.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "scold" comes from Middle English "scalden," which meant to "rebuke or use harsh words with someone"? It has been used for hundreds of years to describe the act of expressing disapproval verbally.
Famous Quote
"To scold at a child is to make them bitter, to love them is to make them better." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "scold" mean?
a) To praise someone
b) To speak angrily to someone
c) To make someone laugh
d) To give someone a gift
Answer: b) To speak angrily to someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "scold"?
a) Applaud
b) Reprimand
c) Encourage
d) Help
Answer: b) Reprimand
3. Which is an antonym of "scold"?
a) Rebuke
b) Praise
c) Chide
d) Admonish
Answer: b) Praise
4. Which sentence uses "scold" correctly?
a) The teacher scolded the students for their hard work.
b) The parent scolded the child for being honest.
c) She did not want to scold her dog for barking.
d) He scolded his friend for telling a joke.
Answer: c) She did not want to scold her dog for barking.
5. Which idiom means to ignore wrongdoing instead of scolding?
a) Turn a blind eye
b) Scold someone like a naughty child
c) To kill two birds with one stone
d) As happy as a lark
Answer: a) Turn a blind eye
