Definition

1. Verb:
   • To express strong disagreement, disapproval, or argument, especially in a reasoned or earnest attempt to dissuade someone from a course of action. It involves presenting objections or remonstrances, typically in a patient or friendly manner.

Usage

• The verb expostulate is used to describe the act of reasoning with someone, often because you believe their actions or decisions are wrong or unwise. It implies a dialogue where one party is trying to persuade the other through argument.
• It is commonly followed by the preposition "with" (to indicate the person being addressed) and often "about" or "on" (to indicate the subject of the disagreement).
• Grammatical Note: It is an intransitive verb. You expostulate someone something.

Examples

• Verb:
  • She expostulated with her friend about the dangers of the plan.
  • I must expostulate with you on your decision to leave school early.
  • He expostulated, but his protests were ignored.

Advanced Usage

• "to expostulate against": To argue strongly against a specific idea or action.
  • The senator expostulated against the proposed legislation.
• The tone of expostulation can range from gentle and concerned to more forceful, but it generally retains an element of reasoned appeal rather than angry confrontation.

Variants and Related Words

• Expostulation (n): The act of expostulating; a reasoned protest or remonstrance.
  • His expostulations fell on deaf ears.
• Expostulatory (adj): Having the character of an expostulation.
  • She gave him an expostulatory look.

Synonyms

• Remonstrate: To make a forcefully reproachful protest.
• Protest: To express an objection to what someone has said or done.
• Argue: To give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others.
• Reason: To persuade someone with logical argument.

Antonyms

• Agree: To have the same opinion.
• Acquiesce: To accept something reluctantly but without protest.
• Approve: To officially agree to or accept as satisfactory.

Related Phrases

• To reason with: To try to persuade someone by using logical argument (this is the core meaning of expostulate).
  • It's useless to try to reason with him when he's so angry.

Verb

1. reason with (somebody) for the purpose of dissuasion