Rebuke
/rɪˈbjuːk/
nounverbB2
Definition
A rebuke means telling someone that they did something wrong or unacceptable, often in a serious or strong way. It is used when someone wants to show that a behavior or action is not good and should stop. You can receive a rebuke as a clear message that you made a mistake.
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See It in Action
Noun: A strong criticism or expression of disapproval
- •The manager gave him a rebuke for being late to work.
- •She received a sharp rebuke from her teacher for not doing homework.
- •His rebuke made the team work harder.
Verb: To criticize or scold someone strongly
- •The coach rebuked the players for their poor performance.
- •Parents often rebuke children when they misbehave.
- •The officer rebuked the driver for breaking the traffic rules.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'rebuke' like 'say no' or 'tell off,' but stronger and more serious than just 'say no'
- ✓Picture a teacher shaking their finger and speaking firmly to a student who broke a rule
- ✓It's the feeling when someone looks disappointed and speaks in a serious voice because you did something wrong
- ✓Sounds like 're-BOOK' → imagine opening a book again to find a rule you broke and someone telling you about it
- ✓Remember stories where a parent or boss tells a child or worker they must stop bad behavior immediately
- ✓NOT like 'suggest' (which is gentle), 'rebuke' is direct and clear criticism
- ✓NOT like 'compliment' (which is praise), 'rebuke' shows disapproval
- ✓As a verb, 'rebuke' is active—someone gives the criticism; as a noun, it is the criticism itself
Try Other Words
- •Criticize: to say someone did something wrong (Use when the criticism is less formal or less strong)
- •Reprimand: official or formal criticism (Use in work or official settings)
- •Scold: to speak angrily because of bad behavior (Use in informal or family situations)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: 're-' meaning 'again' or 'back'
- •Root: 'buke' from Old English 'bocian,' meaning to reproach or blame
- •Etymology: From Old English and Old Norse origins meaning to blame or correct
- •Historical development: Used since old times to mean telling someone their behavior is wrong
- •Modern usage: Used in formal and informal settings to describe strong criticism or telling off
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when someone gives you a rebuke? Can it help you improve or does it make you feel bad?
•When is it better to use a rebuke instead of gentle advice? Can too many rebukes be harmful?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher gave a rebuke because the student did not ___ the classroom rules.
2.After the mistake, the manager’s rebuke was ___ and clear to everyone.
3.Unlike a gentle suggestion, a rebuke usually shows strong ___ about behavior.
4.The coach rebuked the team to make them ___ their mistakes and do better.
5.People often rebuke others when they want to ___ bad habits quickly.
6.A rebuke is more formal than a simple ___ from a friend or parent.
7.When someone receives a rebuke, it usually means they need to ___ their actions.