Definition

1. Noun:
   • An exclamation or statement of protest, remonstrance, or reproof: The act of earnestly reasoning with someone, typically to dissuade them from a course of action or to point out their fault or error.
   • The act of expressing earnest opposition or protest: The action of making a strong, reasoned argument or appeal against something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Her father's gentle expostulation finally convinced her not to drop out of school. (Her father's earnest reasoning finally convinced her.)
  • The manager listened to the customer's expostulation about the poor service without interrupting. (The manager listened to the customer's strong complaint.)
  • Despite his friend's repeated expostulations, he decided to go on the dangerous trip alone. (Despite his friend's repeated earnest arguments against it.)

Advanced Usage

• "To no avail": Often used to indicate that the expostulation was unsuccessful.

  • All my expostulations about the risks were to no avail; he invested all his money anyway. (All my earnest arguments were useless.)

• Formal Tone: "Expostulation" is a formal word, typically used in written English or serious speech to describe a reasoned protest, not a casual complaint.

Variants and Related Words

• Expostulate (verb): To reason earnestly with someone to dissuade them or correct them.
  • She expostulated with her colleague about the ethical implications of the plan.
• Expostulatory (adjective): Having the nature of an expostulation.
  • He gave her an expostulatory look when she suggested cheating.

Synonyms

• Remonstrance: A forcefully reproachful protest.
• Protest: A statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.
• Rebuke: An expression of sharp disapproval or criticism.
• Admonition: Advice or warning, especially to correct a fault.

Antonyms

• Acquiescence: The reluctant acceptance of something without protest.
• Approval: The action of officially agreeing to or accepting something.
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.

Related Phrases

• In the face of expostulation: Despite earnest arguments or protests.
  • He proceeded with the plan in the face of all expostulation.
• To meet with expostulation: To be received with reasoned protest.
  • The new policy met with considerable expostulation from the staff.

Noun

1. an exclamation of protest or remonstrance or reproof
2. the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest