scolding
scolding — noun
1. The act of telling someone, especially a child or someone under your responsibil
The act of telling someone, especially a child or someone under your responsibility, that you are angry because of something they have done wrong.
Jisoo gave her son a firm scolding after he broke the neighbour's window.
collocation: give someone a scolding
Rania received a scolding from her manager for being late three days in a row.
Dahlia's mother gave her a scolding for leaving the front door unlocked all night.
After a scolding from his father, young Lakan promised never to lie again.
Sofie could hear the scolding coming from the principal's office down the hall.
- reprimand
more formal; often used in official or workplace contexts
- telling-off
informal British English; same meaning but less strong
- rebuke
more formal and literary; suggests sharper and more serious disapproval
- lecture
a longer, more patient explanation of why something was wrong, not necessarily angry
- praise
expression of approval rather than disapproval
scolding — adjective
1. Expressing anger or disapproval at someone's behaviour — used especially to desc
Expressing anger or disapproval at someone's behaviour — used especially to describe a person's voice, look, or written words rather than the person themselves.
Kwame's mother gave him a scolding look when he reached for the biscuit tin.
collocation: scolding look
Ilan spoke in a scolding tone, telling the children to clean up their mess.
collocation: scolding tone
Paloma shook her head with a scolding expression as the dog chewed the sofa.
Faisal wrote a scolding note to his roommate about the dishes left in the sink.
- reproachful
less angry; suggests disappointment rather than anger
- disapproving
broader meaning; can describe any expression of negative judgment, not necessarily angry
- stern
serious and strict without necessarily being angry
- approving
showing agreement or satisfaction instead of anger
- encouraging
supportive rather than critical
用法筆記
This adjective is used only before nouns like look, tone, voice, words, note, or letter. It does not describe the person themselves — for example, 'a scolding mother' sounds unnatural; use 'a mother with a scolding look' instead.