Spell Bee Word: upbraid

Basic Details

Word: Upbraid

Part of Speech: Verb

Meaning: To scold or criticize someone for a mistake or wrongdoing.

Synonyms: Reprimand, rebuke, scold

Antonyms: Praise, commend, applaud

Idioms and Phrases

1. Give someone a telling-off: To scold someone for their behaviour. Example: "After breaking the vase, she received a telling-off from her mother."
2. Lay down the law: To set strict rules or to scold someone about their behaviour. Example: "The coach laid down the law after the team lost the game."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The teacher had to upbraid the students for not completing their homework on time.

Example 2: After the mishap at the event, his boss upbraided him for not being more careful.

Example 3: It was difficult to listen to her upbraid her friend for a silly mistake.

Fun Fact

The word "upbraid" comes from the Old English word "upbraidan," which means "to reproach." The prefix "up-" suggests intensity or a higher level of the action, making the criticism feel more severe.

Famous Quote

"Correct a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9 - This reminds us that criticism, if given wisely, can lead to growth.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "upbraid" mean?

a) To support someone
b) To scold or criticise
c) To encourage someone
d) To ignore someone

Answer: b) To scold or criticise

2. Which of these is a synonym of "upbraid"?

a) Praise
b) Reprimand
c) Celebrate
d) Encourage

Answer: b) Reprimand

3. Which is an antonym of "upbraid"?

a) Scold
b) Commend
c) Reprimand
d) Accuse

Answer: b) Commend

4. Which sentence uses "upbraid" correctly?

a) The teacher decided to upbraid the students for their hard work.
b) She wanted to upbraid her friend for getting an excellent grade.
c) It’s important to upbraid someone gently so they can learn from their mistake.
d) He chose to upbraid the flowers in the garden.

Answer: c) It’s important to upbraid someone gently so they can learn from their mistake.

5. Which idiom is similar in meaning to "upbraid"?

a) Give someone a telling-off
b) Break the ice
c) On cloud nine
d) Kill two birds with one stone

Answer: a) Give someone a telling-off