earful

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The word "earful" is a noun that has a couple of related meanings. It can refer to receiving a lot of information, often in the form of gossip or opinions, or it can mean getting a serious reprimand or scolding.

Simple Explanation

1. Severe Scolding: If someone gives you an "earful," it means they are telling you off or scolding you very strongly.
2. Outpouring of Gossip: It can also mean that someone is sharing a lot of news or gossip with you, often more than you wanted to hear.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "earful" in both casual conversations and more serious contexts.
• When talking about gossip, it might have a lighter tone, while when talking about a scolding, it can feel more serious.

Examples

1. Severe Scolding:
   • "When I forgot to do my homework, my teacher gave me an earful about responsibility."
2. Gossip:
   • "I had lunch with my friend, and she gave me an earful about all the latest news in our town."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "earful" can be used to describe situations where someone receives a lot of information that might be overwhelming or unexpected. For instance: - "After the meeting, I got an earful from my boss about the new project changes."

Word Variants

There are no direct variants of "earful," but you might encounter related phrases: - "To give someone an earful": This phrase means to scold or lecture someone. - "To get an earful": This means to receive a lot of information or to be scolded.

Different Meanings

While "earful" primarily focuses on scolding or gossip, context matters. The tone can shift based on how it's used.

Synonyms

• For severe scolding: reprimand, lecture, telling-off.
• For gossip: tidbit, news, chatter.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Give someone an earful": To scold or reprimand someone harshly.
• "Get an earful": To be on the receiving end of a lot of information or a scolding.

Summary

In summary, "earful" is a versatile word that you can use to describe either a serious scolding or a lot of gossip.

Academic

Noun

1. a severe scolding
2. an outpouring of gossip

Synonyms

• castigation
• bawling out
• chewing out
• upbraiding
• going-over
• dressing down