Basic Details
Word: Upbraid
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To scold or criticise someone sharply for something they have done wrong.
Synonyms: Reprimand, rebuke, scold
Antonyms: Praise, commend, applaud
Idioms and Phrases
- Upbraid someone about something: To tell someone off for their mistakes. Example: "The teacher had to upbraid him about his homework not being done."
- Up in arms: To be very angry or upset about something. Example: "The community was up in arms after the decision to close the playground."
Usage Examples
Example 1: When she broke the vase, her mother did not upbraid her but instead explained how to be more careful.
Example 2: The coach decided to upbraid the team for their lack of effort during the match.
Example 3: Rather than upbraiding him for his mistakes, she offered to help him understand the task better.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "upbraid" comes from the Old English word "upbraiden," which means to "braid" or "weave together" the faults of someone? It reflects the idea of weaving together criticisms about someone's actions.
Famous Quote
"To upbraid and reproach would be no use at all." Richard O. McCaffrey
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "upbraid" mean?
a) To encourage someone
b) To scold someone
c) To reward someone
d) To ignore someone
Answer: b) To scold someone
2. Which of these is a synonym of "upbraid"?
a) Compliment
b) Rebuke
c) Praise
d) Celebrate
Answer: b) Rebuke
3. What is an antonym of "upbraid"?
a) Scold
b) Commend
c) Reprimand
d) Accuse
Answer: b) Commend
4. Which sentence uses "upbraid" correctly?
a) The parents decided to upbraid their child for winning the contest.
b) She felt happy when her friends upbraided her for her outfit.
c) The manager chose to upbraid the employee for his repeated mistakes.
d) They upbraided the sunset as it was beautiful.
Answer: c) The manager chose to upbraid the employee for his repeated mistakes.
5. Which idiom means being very upset about something?
a) Upbraid someone about something
b) Up in arms
c) Hands down
d) Bite the bullet
Answer: b) Up in arms
