Chided

To chide is to express disapproval or criticize someone's behavior, actions, or words in a mild, gentle, or scolding manner. It often involves pointing out a fault or mistake in a way that is intended to correct or improve the individual's conduct. The tone is typically not overtly aggressive or harsh, differentiating it from a rebuke or a scolding. The intention behind chiding is to help the person understand the error of their ways and encourage better behavior in the future. It often occurs between individuals who have an established relationship, such as friends, family, or colleagues. The disapproval can be delivered verbally, through a disapproving look, or a raised eyebrow, conveying the message that the behavior is not acceptable.

Chided meaning with examples

• The mother Chided her son for leaving his toys scattered across the living room, reminding him of his chore to tidy up before dinner. She didn't yell, but her gentle scolding made him realize his carelessness. He apologized and immediately started gathering his toys, eager to avoid further censure and wanting to show he'd learned his lesson.
• During the debate, the moderator Chided the politician for consistently evading direct questions about the environmental policy. She pointed out the importance of providing clear and concise answers to the public. The politician, realizing his evasiveness had been pointed out, paused before giving a more specific response. The chiding was effective in encouraging greater transparency.
• The teacher Chided the students for talking during the exam, reminding them of the importance of focusing. She did not raise her voice, but the pointed look made them feel a little ashamed. The students immediately quieted down, realizing the disruption they were causing to others and concentrating on their tests.
• The friend Chided her companion for being late again, gently teasing him about his chronic tardiness. The friendly criticism was not meant to be hurtful but served as a reminder of the other person's disregard for their time and commitment. They both laughed, but the one who was late, acknowledged the behavior and tried to be prompt for the next outing.
• The supervisor Chided the employee for not following the correct procedure in his recent report, stressing the importance of following instructions. The advice was given to allow the worker to avoid future errors and better his professional skill. The employee thanked them, and took steps to fix the issue in the report and was far more careful after the advice.