remonstrate
/ri'mɔnstreit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (intransitive):
- To protest or complain about something: To express strong opposition or disapproval, typically in a reasoned or argumentative manner.
- To argue in protest: To present reasons against an action, decision, or point of view.
Verb (transitive):
- To say or plead in protest: To state something as a formal objection or argument.
Usage Examples
- Intransitive verb (with 'with' + person, 'against' + thing):
- She remonstrated with her manager about the unfair policy. (She argued in protest with her manager.)
- The citizens remonstrated against the new tax law. (The citizens protested against the law.)
- Transitive verb (followed by a 'that' clause):
- He remonstrated that the plan was too risky. (He objected by saying the plan was too risky.)
Advanced Usage
- "to remonstrate in vain": to protest without success.
- They remonstrated in vain; the decision was final.
- Formal or literary tone: "Remonstrate" is more formal than words like "complain" or "argue," often used in written English or formal speech.
Variants and Related Words
- Remonstrance (noun): A forcefully reproachful protest.
- His actions were met with strong remonstrance from the committee.
- Remonstrant (noun/adjective): (A person) who remonstrates.
- The remonstrant delegates presented their case.
Synonyms
- Protest: To express an objection to what someone has said or done.
- Object: To say something to express disapproval or opposition.
- Expostulate: To reason earnestly with someone against something they intend to do (very similar in formality and meaning).
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
- Remonstrate with someone (about/on/over something): The standard construction for protesting to a person.
- He remonstrated with the board about their short-sighted strategy.
- Remonstrate against something: The standard construction for protesting an action or thing.
- The group remonstrated against the demolition of the historic building.
Related Idioms
- To no avail: Often used with "remonstrate" to indicate futile protest. (This is a common collocation rather than a fixed idiom with "remonstrate").
- She remonstrated, but to no avail.
Verb
- censure severely or angrily
- The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
- The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
- The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup
- present and urge reasons in opposition
- argue in protest or opposition