Reprimand Definition – Meaning and Usage In A Sentence

Thoughts are communicated through carefully constructed words that make sense. These words are capable of painting descriptions or verbalizing sentiments or ideas. The word “reprimand” is among those words used to issue a stern warning or caution; so, what’s the reprimand definition?

Reprimand means “to notify someone of something they have done wrong.” You may also describe the word as an expression of rebuke, criticism, or reprove. The word, with this meaning, applies in both official and unofficial contexts.

To effectively communicate using the new words you learn daily, you must first know what they mean and how to use them correctly. Let us start with the word reprimand. This article will reveal the reprimand definition, meaning, different ways of using the word, and much more.

What is the Definition of Reprimand?

The Macmillan dictionary defines reprimand as telling someone or people in a very stern or angry way that they have done something wrong. The term is also defined as severely scolding another. 

Note that reprimand is a verb and is commonly used in the singular present tense (reprimands), present participle (reprimanding), or as a past tense participle (reprimanded).

Whenever someone reprimands another, they angrily speak to them for their mistake. The reprimanding act is common in a formal or informal setting, but it’s usually done in institutions and legal situations with some controlling authority. For instance, a teacher may reprimand a student for not completing their assignment.

Here are examples of reprimand in sentences:

• Their attempts to reprimand Ben have not gone well with him, causing a rift between him and his parents.
• You’ll get a five thousand pound fine and a severe reprimand for having police lights on your car in the UK.
• I’m not fond of Vicky nowadays because she made my mother reprimand me for a mistake she committed.

What is the Meaning of Reprimand?

The word reprimand also means to rebuke formally. You may describe this word as rebuking someone harshly or adversely for actions deemed as reprehensible. The move is also made publicly to instill shame and regret after committing the offense.

You will realize that this meaning is often applicable when a person in authority, such as an official body, formally criticizes an individual or organization. This action happens through writing letters to individuals, groups, or companies. For instance, the court may reprimand a visa issuance agency for contempt of court.

Here are some more examples:

• The prime minister took the chance to reprimand his ministers for their poor performance and service delivery.
• Patrick and his team resigned from their respective duties before the company had a chance to reprimand them.
• It is acceptable to reprimand your current senate member, although they probably will not like it.

Does Reprimand Mean Censure?

The answer is a resounding yes! Reprimand also means to censure or criticize heavily and severely. It is a form of rebuke mostly done with anger by someone with some authority or control.

The difference between this and the earlier definitions is that the person reprimanding, in this case, does it with anger. The action happens with no regard for the other person’s feelings. You can use different words to describe this action: for instance, words like tongue lashing, chewing up, or calling down are the best fit.

Here are more examples with the word reprimand:

• Charlie said that he once ran away from home after a harsh reprimand from his parents over something he didn’t do.
• The board chairman has built quite a reputation for himself after giving this secretary the harshest reprimand in the company’s history.
• After the game, the coach decided to reprimand the team for performing below his expectations.

What’s the Difference between Reprimand and Punish? 

The words are often used as synonyms, but they have varying meanings. Whereas reprimand means to reprove officially, punishment means to inflict a penalty or sanction as retribution for mistakes done. To reprimand is to call out a person for wrong-doing but to punish is to issue an action due to a wrong done. Thus the words cannot be exact synonyms for each other.

Is Upbraid the Same as Reprimand?

The two words might mean rebuking someone or a group of people for the wrong they did; however, they differ in the approach. A reprimand is generally done in a formal setting, but upbraid is the same form of rebuke but carried out in an informal setting, often in a public manner.

What’s the Difference between Reprimand and Admonish?

Like the section above, both these words refer to the condemnation of a mistake someone has made. However, admonish refers to a more subtle or gentle warning or an act of disapproval. This act is mainly done to children for little mistakes made. It is a sharp contrast to the harsh or severe form of rebuke. The words, therefore, have similar meanings but different uses.

How to Use Reprimand in a Sentence

The word reprimand is used as both a noun and verb. The word also takes on other forms, such as an adjective and a noun. Let’s look at how to use these versions of the word reprimand.

Reprimand as a Noun

Since we already know that the word reprimand is a noun, we’ll look at other noun versions, such as reprimander or reprimands. Reprimander refers to the person reprimanding, and reprimands is the plural version of the word reprimand.

Have a look at these sentences to explain further:

• The deacon occasionally reprimands the teens for throwing tissue papers at peoples’ houses at night.
• My step-father took on the role of a reprimander in the family and performed this task abusively and violently.

Reprimand as an Adjective

When used as an adjective, the term reprimand changes to reprimandable, reprimanded, or reprimanding. It’s important to note that some adjectives formed are past and present participle forms of the word reprimand. The terms refer to someone fit or due for a reprimand.

Here are more example sentences:

• We usually inform our guests not to engage in unruly behavior as such actions are heavily reprimandable.
• I don’t want to go back home because of what I did, and I am well aware that my parents will give me some reprimanding.

When Used as an Adverb

There are currently no official adverb versions of the word reprimand. You might have encountered adverbs such as reprimandingly or repremandably, but they will have limited use in the English language. They are not even accepted in some contexts. Most people use these adverbs in non-formal contexts like random texting or social media posting and commenting.

10 Examples of Reprimand in a Sentence

Go through the following ten sentences to familiarize yourself with the word reprimand. Try to know the context and how the word has been used. It will give you the ideas for using the word in your sentences.

1. Even though George died while Stacey was driving, the authorities did not reprimand her for the accident.
2. Several security officials received an official reprimand over the security breach, which might even lead to arrests.
3. The teacher who was spotted taking drugs in an empty classroom received a stern reprimand before being handed over to the authorities.
4. I feel that Tim should have received more than a mere reprimand for what he did to Mercy that night.
5. It is a well-known secret that most celebrities get away with a harsh reprimand for what they do to crew members and fellow actors.
6. Michael Jackson was known to reprimand his crew members whenever they messed up during his concerts.
7. Kevin Durant left the Golden State Warriors because of the reprimand from Draymond Green.
8. The government should have gotten a reprimand due to its list of bad decisions that have affected the country’s economy.
9. I have just received a reprimand for what you did in the office while the boss was away on holiday.
10. Many students who received a reprimand have refused to return or transfer schools.

How Do You Spell Reprimand?

According to the International Phonetics Alphabet, the term reprimand is spelled as \ ˈre-prə-ˌmand \. The easiest spelling is R.E.R.I.M.A.N.D.

How Do You Pronounce Reprimand?

“Reprimand” is pronounced as [reh].[pruh].[mand].

How Many Syllables Are In Reprimand?

There are three syllables in the word reprimand; rep.ri.mand.

History & Etymology of Reprimand

The term reprimand comes from the Old French word reprimende, meaning “reproof,” and a Latin phrase reprimenda pointing to “that which is to be repressed.” The French word later morphed into réprimande and later reprimenda culpa, “a fault to be checked.” The word reprimand came up in the 1630s.

Reprimand Synonyms

• Condemnation
• Denunciation
• Reproach
• Stricture
• Censure

Reprimand Antonyms

• Commendation
• Endorsement
• Citation
• Acclamation

When Was Reprimand First Used?

The word reprimand was first used as a noun in 1636; as a verb in 1681, with their current meanings.

Conclusion

A question common with many English language learners is what constitutes a great sentence. One of the essential aspects of constructing a correct sentence is using correct words. If you don’t know what a particular word means, you will not express a complete thought. With the knowledge of reprimand definition, meaning, and usage, you can now correctly make your writing and conversations colorful.