chide
CHYDE
/tʃaɪd/
To scold or rebuke gently or mildly.
Chide is the gentlest word in this group. It often implies a light, almost affectionate scolding, frequently used between family members or close friends to correct minor mistakes.
The story behind the word. Chide is a deeply Germanic word, coming from the Old English 'cīdan', which meant to scold or contend. While many of our words for criticism came from French or Latin after the Norman Conquest, chide remained the simple, domestic word for household scolding.
Word relationships
- scold: Scold is more common and can sometimes be angry, whereas chide is almost always mild and soft-hearted.
- admonish: Admonish is more serious and carries a warning of future consequences, while chide is just a light, immediate correction.
- praise: Praise is to express admiration, whereas chiding is a mild form of disapproval.
Commonly confused with
- berate: Chide is a soft, gentle, and brief correction; berate is a loud, angry, and prolonged verbal attack.
Word family
- chidingly (adverb): In a gently scolding manner.
Collocations
- gently chide
- playfully chide
- chide for lateness
Example sentences
- "She would gently chide her toddler for splashing water out of the bathtub." A gentle interaction between a mother and child.
- "His friends began to chide him for always being the last one to arrive at the restaurant." A playful exchange between friends.
Memory hook
Think of a 'child' being gently scolded. 'Chide' is what you do to a 'child' when they make a small mess. Chide a child gently.
When not to use
Do not use for serious crimes, professional misconduct, or severe anger; it sounds far too trivial.
Fun facts
- In Shakespeare's plays, 'chide' was often used to describe the sound of hunting hounds baying or the wind howling, comparing natural noises to a scolding voice.
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