Basic Details
Word: Censure
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To express strong disapproval of something or someone.
Synonyms: Condemn, reprimand, criticise
Antonyms: Praise, approve, commend
Idioms and Phrases
- To bear the brunt of censure: To receive the majority of criticism. Example: "After the project failed, he had to bear the brunt of censure from the management."
- Censure flows downhill: Criticism typically starts from a higher authority and moves downward. Example: "In the organisation, censure flows downhill; the employees are left to deal with the mistakes made above them."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The manager was quick to censure the employee for missing the deadline, believing it affected the entire teams performance.
Example 2: Public officials often face censure when they act against the interest of the public.
Example 3: The teacher decided to censure the student after discovering he had cheated on the exam.
Fun Fact
The word "censure" comes from the Latin word "censura," which refers to a judgement or assessment, a concept that has evolved over time to mean formal disapproval in various contexts, including politics and academia.
Famous Quote
"Perhaps the greatest insight is that the heedless censure of a man must be complemented by the heartfelt gratitude of the many he has lifted." - Thomas A. Edison
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "censure" mean?
a) To celebrate something
b) To express strong disapproval
c) To encourage someone
d) To discuss casually
Answer: b) To express strong disapproval
2. Which of these is a synonym of "censure"?
a) Praise
b) Condemn
c) Admire
d) Commend
Answer: b) Condemn
3. What is an antonym of "censure"?
a) Disapprove
b) Reprimand
c) Commend
d) Criticise
Answer: c) Commend
4. Which sentence uses "censure" correctly?
a) The teacher praised the student for his hard work.
b) The organisation decided to censure the employee for their misconduct.
c) I will censure the cake after baking it.
d) She censure the ball during the game.
Answer: b) The organisation decided to censure the employee for their misconduct.
5. Which idiom means that criticism often comes from those in higher positions?
a) Censure flows downhill
b) Give someone a hand
c) At sixes and sevens
d) In the same boat
Answer: a) Censure flows downhill
