The word "upbraid" is spelled with four letters, two vowels, and two consonants. The word is pronounced as /ʌpˈbreɪd/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "u" in the beginning is pronounced as /ʌ/, the "p" is pronounced as /p/, the "b" is pronounced as /b/, the "r" is pronounced as /r/, the "ai" is pronounced as /eɪ/, and the "d" is pronounced as /d/. To upbraid means to scold or criticize someone for their actions or behavior.
To upbraid is a transitive verb that means to scold, criticize, or admonish strongly, often in a reproachful or harsh manner. It denotes the act of expressing disapproval or censure towards someone due to their actions, words, or behavior. When upbraiding someone, the intention is to reprimand or rebuke them for their perceived wrongdoing.
Upbraiding often involves pointing out faults, mistakes, or errors that the recipient should correct or repent. The tone employed in upbraiding tends to be stern, reproachful, or indignant, emphasizing the displeasure or disappointment felt towards the individual's actions. This verb is used to convey a strong sense of disapproval, expressing dissatisfaction and demanding better behavior or conduct.
The act of upbraiding can occur in personal relationships, professional settings, or even in broader social interactions. It may be employed by authority figures such as parents, teachers, or employers, as well as peers or friends seeking to confront negative actions or attitudes. The purpose of upbraiding is often to make the recipient aware of their mistakes, to inspire change or improvement, and to convey a sense of accountability.
In summary, to upbraid means to reproach or criticize someone with strong disapproval, often in a harsh manner, to highlight their faults or wrongdoing in order to prompt change or correction.
To charge with something wrong or disgraceful; to reprove with severity; to chide; to cast in the teeth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "upbraid" has its roots in Old English. It can be traced back to the combination of two elements: "ūp", meaning "up", and "bregdan", meaning "to pull or pluck". In Old English, "ūpbregdan" meant "to drag or pull someone up", either literally or metaphorically. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey "to reproach or scold someone". The word has remained quite consistent in its meaning since then.