remonstrate
rih-MON-strayt
/rɪˈmɒnstreɪt/
To make a forcefully reproachful protest; to present reasons in complaint.
Implies a detailed, structured, and earnest argument against someone's actions, often done out of concern or duty.
The story behind the word. From the Medieval Latin remonstratus, meaning 'to exhibit or point out.' The root monstrare (to show) is the same root found in demonstrate and monster (originally an omen shown by the gods). To remonstrate is to 'show back' reasons why something is wrong.
Word relationships
- protest: Protest is a general term for expressing disagreement, while remonstrate involves a structured, reasoned plea or complaint directly to the person responsible.
- expostulate: Expostulate is a very close synonym, but it often carries a stronger tone of friendly or earnest reasoning to dissuade someone.
- acquiesce: Acquiesce means to accept something quietly without protest.
- comply: Comply means to act in accordance with a wish or command.
Commonly confused with
- demonstrate: Demonstrate means to show or prove clearly, while remonstrate means to protest or plead against something.
Word family
- remonstrance (noun): A forcefully reproachful protest.
- remonstrative (adjective): In the nature of a remonstrance; protesting.
Collocations
- remonstrate with
- remonstrate against
- gently remonstrate
Idioms & expressions
- take to task
- lay down the law
Example sentences
- "The ambassador went to the palace to remonstrate with the king about the treatment of political prisoners." A diplomat protesting to a foreign government.
- "She attempted to remonstrate with her teenage son about his reckless driving, but he refused to listen." A parent correcting a child's behavior.
Memory hook
Remonstrate is like showing a 'monster' to someone to protest their bad behavior. Show reasons against.
When not to use
Do not use for a simple, wordless scream of anger or a violent riot.
Fun facts
- In 1610, Dutch followers of Jacobus Arminius presented a document of protest to the state, which became known as the 'Remonstrance,' and the protesters themselves were called 'Remonstrants.'
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