expostulation
/iks,pɔstju'leiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The teacher raised her hand in gentle expostulation as the students began talking.
Definition
- 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.
The teacher raised her hand in gentle expostulation as the students began talking.
Noun
- an exclamation of protest or remonstrance or reproof
- the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest