Word of the Day

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"Reprove," "rebuke," "reprimand," "admonish," "reproach," and "chide" all mean to criticize. "Reprove" implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. "Rebuke" suggests a sharp or stern criticism (as in "the letter rebuked her opponents"). "Reprimand" implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke ("he was reprimanded by the ethics committee"). "Admonish" suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel ("admonished to control expenses"). "Reproach" and "chide" suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild scolding ("reproached him for tardiness" and "chided by their mother for untidiness"). Incidentally, the resemblance of "reprove" to "prove" is not coincidental-both words can be traced back to the Latin "probar" ("to test" or "to approve").