reprimanded

USAGE SUMMARY

"reprimanded" is a valid and usable word in English.
It is a verb meaning to scold or rebuke someone in a harsh or severe manner. Example sentence: "The teacher reprimanded the student for not following the school rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The industry newspaper Screen Daily reported that a group of women in their 50s were turned away from the gala screening of Todd Haynes's Carol for wearing flat shoes, while a film producer who had part of her left foot amputated has also said she was reprimanded for her lack of heels.

The Guardian - Film

I lose count of the many times I have been reprimanded for an inopportune frown, eye-roll, or death stare (teachers found the latter particularly unnerving).

The Guardian - Opinion

It comes after the BBC was reprimanded in a National Audit Office report for not making better use of its space.

The Guardian

See articleThe release of a declassified document showed that the National Security Agency had been severely reprimanded in 2011 by the secret court that oversees its activities, for possibly illegally harvesting e-mails from American citizens.

The Economist

But it has recently been threatened with official inspections and, on October 31st, was reprimanded for broadcasting "extremist" content in its coverage of the Ukraine conflict.It is not just news outlets that are threatened by the media law.

The Economist

I tried to contact her surgeon and was instantly reprimanded by nurses: regulations required us to see only the (absent) rehab doctor.

The Economist

President Kabila has reprimanded MPs for their idleness.In addition, the country still remains highly unstable.

The Economist

He punished editors over commas and reprimanded dates for using clichés.

The Economist

Mr Gysi was reprimanded in parliament for misquoting him.

The Economist

I AM reprimanded by colleagues at The Economist for having called the downfall of Qaddafi's regime a score for Obama.

The Economist

Brigadier-General Jean Bosco Kazura, who was said to have been arrested after making an unannounced trip to South Africa to watch the World Cup, was merely reprimanded.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reprimanded" to denote a formal or official expression of disapproval, particularly when someone has violated rules or standards. This term carries a stronger weight than simply "scolded" or "warned".

Common error

Avoid using "reprimanded" in casual settings where a simple scolding would suffice. Overusing formal terms can make your writing sound stilted or overly dramatic. Instead, choose words like "scolded" or "chided" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "reprimanded" functions as a verb, typically in the past tense, to describe the act of scolding or rebuking someone formally. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in expressing disapproval. It indicates that someone has been officially corrected or criticized for their actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Academic

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reprimanded" is a versatile verb used to indicate a formal expression of disapproval or rebuke. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and sees common usage in professional and formal writing, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "reprimanded", be sure the context is appropriate for a formal tone, and consider alternatives like "scolded" or "rebuked" for less serious situations. Avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain a professional and precise writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rebuked

Suggests a formal and stern expression of disapproval, often in writing or public. Similar in intensity to "reprimanded".

scolded

Implies a milder form of disapproval or correction, often directed at children or subordinates. It's less formal than "reprimanded".

chastised

Indicates a strong disapproval combined with an intention to correct or improve behavior. Often used in moral or ethical contexts.

censured

Implies a formal or official condemnation, often by a governing body or organization. It carries a sense of public disapproval.

admonished

Suggests a gentle but firm warning or counseling against a fault or error. Less severe than "reprimanded".

reproached

Indicates expressing disapproval or disappointment. It can imply a personal sense of grievance.

berated

Suggests a prolonged and angry scolding. It implies a loss of control or composure.

lambasted

Signifies a harsh and vehement criticism, often publicly. More forceful than "reprimanded".

castigated

Indicates severe criticism or punishment, often for moral failings. It carries a strong sense of condemnation.

called to account

Implies formally requiring someone to explain or justify their actions, often in response to wrongdoing. It's a more procedural alternative.

FAQs

How do you use "reprimanded" in a sentence?

You can use "reprimanded" to describe a formal or serious rebuke. For example, "The employee was "reprimanded" for violating company policy."

What can I say instead of "reprimanded"?

You can use alternatives like "scolded", "rebuked", or "chastised" depending on the context. Each word conveys a slightly different nuance of disapproval.

Which is correct, "reprimanded" or "scolded"?

"Reprimanded" is generally used in more formal situations to indicate a serious rebuke, while "scolded" is a more general term for expressing disapproval. The best choice depends on the context and the severity of the situation.

What's the difference between "reprimanded" and "censured"?

"Reprimanded" implies a direct and often private rebuke, while "censured" usually involves a formal, public condemnation. For example, a politician might be "censured" by a legislative body for misconduct.