Scold vs. Upbraid

Attribute	Scold	Upbraid
Definition	Reprimand or criticize angrily	Scold severely or angrily
Tone	Can be harsh or stern	Usually more severe and intense
Intensity	Can vary in intensity	Usually more intense
Formality	Can be informal or formal	Often more formal
Connotation	May imply a more general disapproval	Implies a stronger disapproval or rebuke

Definition

Scold and upbraid are both verbs that are used to express disapproval or criticism towards someone. However, there are subtle differences in their meanings and connotations.

Usage

Scold is often used in a more informal context, such as scolding a child for misbehaving or scolding a friend for being late. It can also imply a sense of annoyance or frustration. On the other hand, upbraid is a more formal term that is typically used in a professional or serious setting, such as upbraiding an employee for a mistake at work or upbraiding a student for cheating on a test.

Tone

The tone of scolding is usually more harsh and direct, with the intention of correcting the behavior of the person being scolded. It can come across as more emotional and personal. In contrast, upbraiding tends to be more restrained and formal, focusing on the specific actions or behaviors that are being criticized rather than the person themselves.

Intensity

Scolding is often seen as a milder form of reprimand, while upbraiding is considered to be more severe and serious. Scolding may involve raising one's voice or using harsh language, but upbraiding is typically done in a calm and controlled manner, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Effectiveness

Scolding may be effective in getting someone to change their behavior in the short term, especially if the scolder has authority or influence over the person being scolded. However, upbraiding is generally more effective in the long term, as it is seen as a more serious and formal form of criticism that can have a lasting impact on the person's behavior.

Examples

• She scolded her son for not doing his homework.
• The teacher upbraided the student for talking during class.
• He scolded his colleague for missing an important deadline.
• The manager upbraided the employee for making a costly mistake.

Conclusion

While both scolding and upbraiding involve criticizing someone for their actions, there are distinct differences in their meanings, usage, tone, intensity, and effectiveness. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right approach when expressing disapproval or criticism towards others.