How to Memorize

berate - scold

Analysis

When you harshly reprimand somebody with words then you ‘berate’ them. This is usually done by a person in authority to somebody who has made an error. However, while a talking-to might be deserved, this formal word implies going over the top with your criticism and being unnecessarily vicious.

Example(s)

1. My boss decided to berate me for being late in front of the whole office. I was so embarrassed.

2. When I discovered that I had been swindled, I berated myself for having been so stupid as to believe that businessman.

3. I can’t believe that the waiter berated a customer like that! If I was his manager I would fire him immediately.