Rebuke vs. Scold — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 24, 2024
Rebuke implies a sharp, often formal, criticism, emphasizing the severity; scold involves berating often with a more personal, emotional tone.
Difference Between Rebuke and Scold
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Key Differences
Rebuke is often used in formal contexts or where authority is being exercised to express disapproval sharply and directly, focusing on the severity of the error or misbehavior. Whereas, scolding typically involves a more emotional, prolonged criticism that may include lecturing and is often less formal.
In a rebuke, the emphasis is on correcting specific behavior or errors, often with a stern and direct approach that leaves a strong impression of disapproval. On the other hand, scolding may involve a mix of disappointment and emotional upset, reflecting personal feelings rather than just an objective assessment of behavior.
Rebukes are usually concise and focused, aimed at making a clear point about what is wrong and why it is unacceptable. In contrast, scolding can be more verbose, involving a detailed airing of grievances and often delivered in a tone that conveys annoyance or frustration.
A rebuke, because of its formal and often public nature, usually serves as a deterrent, emphasizing the social or professional consequences of one’s actions. Whereas scolding, being more informal and personal, might focus more on the relational dynamics between the parties involved.
While rebukes are typically delivered without much visible emotion to maintain authority and professionalism, scolds often exhibit visible frustration or anger, making the interaction more intense on a personal level.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Formal and authoritative
Informal and personal
Emotion
Minimal emotion, stern
Emotional, often involves frustration or anger
Length of Criticism
Brief and to the point
Can be prolonged and verbose
Focus
Specific behavior or error
General behavior and attitude
Typical Context
Professional settings, public situations
Private settings, among acquaintances
Compare with Definitions
Rebuke
An expression of sharp disapproval.
His public rebuke of the policy did not go unnoticed.
Scold
To berate over minor issues.
He’s always scolding about small household chores.
Rebuke
A disapproval expressed by someone in power.
The dean’s rebuke to the student was swift.
Scold
To express disappointment through criticism.
She scolded him for not calling earlier.
Rebuke
A reprimand from a position of authority.
The military officer’s rebuke was stern and formal.
Scold
To reprimand someone angrily.
She scolded the child for playing in the mud.
Rebuke
A sharp criticism.
The judge issued a rebuke to the unruly lawyer.
Scold
An emotional criticism.
He scolded loudly, driven by frustration.
Rebuke
A corrective admonition.
She took the rebuke quietly, knowing it was justified.
Scold
A prolonged reproach.
Her scold went on for several minutes, drawing attention.
Rebuke
In English law and the canon law of the Church of England, a rebuke is a censure on a member of the clergy. It is the least severe censure available against clergy of the Church of England, less severe than a monition.
Scold
To reprimand or criticize harshly and usually angrily.
Rebuke
To criticize (someone) sharply; reprimand.
Scold
To express harsh or angry disapproval to someone.
Rebuke
To express sharp criticism regarding (an act, for example)
"a series of sweeping decisions that rebuked the investigators' presumptions" (Donald A. Ritchie).
Scold
One who persistently nags or criticizes
"As a critic gets older, he or she usually grows more tetchy and ... may even become a big-league scold" (James Wolcott).
Rebuke
(Obsolete) To check or repress.
Scold
A person who habitually scolds, in particular a troublesome and angry woman.
Rebuke
An expression of strong disapproval.
Scold
(ambitransitive) To rebuke angrily.
I advise that you refrain from using that kind of language at home, lest your mother scold you.
Rebuke
(of a person) A harsh criticism.
Scold
(ornithology) Of birds, to make harsh vocalisations in aggression.
Rebuke
(of a person) To criticise harshly; to reprove.
Scold
Of birds, to make vocalisations that resemble human scolding.
Rebuke
To check, silence, or put down, with reproof; to restrain by expression of disapprobation; to reprehend sharply and summarily; to chide; to reprove; to admonish.
The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered,Nor to rebuke the rich offender feared.
Scold
Misconstruction of scald
Rebuke
A direct and pointed reproof; a reprimand; also, chastisement; punishment.
For thy sake I have suffered rebuke.
Why bear you these rebukes and answer not?
Scold
To find fault or rail with rude clamor; to brawl; to utter harsh, rude, boisterous rebuke; to chide sharply or coarsely; - often with at; as, to scold at a servant.
Pardon me, lords, 't is the first time everI was forced to scold.
Rebuke
Check; rebuff.
Scold
To chide with rudeness and clamor; to rate; also, to rebuke or reprove with severity.
Rebuke
An act or expression of criticism and censure;
He had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face
Scold
One who scolds, or makes a practice of scolding; esp., a rude, clamorous woman; a shrew.
She is an irksome, brawling scold.
Rebuke
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
Scold
A scolding; a brawl.
Scold
Someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
Scold
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
Scold
Show one's unhappiness or critical attitude;
He scolded about anything that he thought was wrong
We grumbled about the increased work load
Common Curiosities
Which is more likely to occur in a workplace, a rebuke or a scold?
A rebuke, due to its formal and professional nature.
Are there cultural variations in how rebukes and scolds are perceived?
Yes, cultural norms greatly influence how both are delivered and received.
What is the primary difference between a rebuke and a scold?
A rebuke is formal and focuses on specific errors, while a scold is more emotional and can be about general behavior.
Can a scold be positive in any way?
It’s generally negative but can be a sign of concern or investment in someone's improvement.
Can someone in a lower position rebuke someone in a higher position?
While less common, a rebuke can be directed upwards if the context allows for formal feedback mechanisms, but typically, rebukes flow from those in authority to those subordinate to them.
Are there specific phrases or words associated with rebuking and scolding?
Rebuking often uses terms like "unacceptable," "inappropriate," or "failure," emphasizing formal disapproval, whereas scolding might include phrases like "I'm disappointed," or "you always," reflecting personal frustration and ongoing issues.
Is a rebuke always given in public?
Not always, but it is often more public and formal compared to a scold.
How does the severity of a rebuke compare to that of a scold?
Generally, a rebuke is perceived as more severe because it is formal and sharply criticizes specific faults, whereas a scold may cover broader behavior and is more emotional.
Is a scold typically done in private or public?
Scolding usually happens in private or in less formal settings, as it involves personal emotions and can be seen as less professional.
What might be the immediate reaction to a rebuke compared to a scold?
The immediate reaction to a rebuke might be one of silent acknowledgment or defense due to its authoritative tone, while a scold might provoke a more defensive or emotional response.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
