Basic Details
Word: Rebuke
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To speak sharply or criticise someone because of something they have done wrong.
Synonyms: Scold, reprimand, chastise
Antonyms: Praise, commend, encourage
Idioms and Phrases
- Rub it in: To keep reminding someone of their mistake. Example: "He didnt mean to rub it in after her rebuke, but he was just trying to help."
- Dress someone down: To reprimand or criticise someone sharply. Example: "The manager dressed him down for missing the deadline."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The teacher had to rebuke the students for talking during the lesson.
Example 2: After the meeting, the boss gave a polite rebuke to the team for not meeting their targets.
Example 3: She felt hurt by her friends rebuke, but understood it was meant to help her improve.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "rebuke" comes from the Latin word "rebucare," which means "to call back" or "to reprimand"? It has been used in English since the 14th century!
Famous Quote
"Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things." Winston Churchill
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "rebuke" mean?
a) To praise someone
b) To suggest an improvement
c) To speak sharply to someone for a mistake
d) To ignore someone
Answer: c) To speak sharply to someone for a mistake
2. Which of these is a synonym of "rebuke"?
a) Praise
b) Scold
c) Encourage
d) Ignore
Answer: b) Scold
3. Which is an antonym of "rebuke"?
a) Criticise
b) Chastise
c) Commend
d) Reprimand
Answer: c) Commend
4. Which sentence uses "rebuke" correctly?
a) The coach gave a rebuke to the player for missing the goal.
b) The flower began to rebuke in the sunlight.
c) She will rebuke to the store later.
d) The cake was too sweet, I will rebuke it.
Answer: a) The coach gave a rebuke to the player for missing the goal.
5. Which idiom relates to being harshly criticised?
a) Rub it in
b) Take it easy
c) Keep your chin up
d) A drop in the ocean
Answer: a) Rub it in
