Question

Choose the option which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Berate

a) Scold
b) Judge
c) Downgrade
d) Deny

Answer 1

Hint: Berate means to scold or criticize someone with extreme anger. It is a verb that expresses the action of scolding or rebuking someone.

Complete answer:

Let’s look at the usage of the word ‘berate’-
Example – If you do not do your work within the deadline, the boss will miss no opportunity to berate you. Here, we can conclude that ‘X’ would be scolded or rebuked by the boss if he is unable to complete the work within the deadline.
Now, let’s examine the meaning of the given options-
The meaning of ‘Scold’ is to rebuke someone with anger. The meaning perfectly explains the given word and thus is the correct. So, option a is the correct option.
Option b ‘Judge’ means to determine something or to form an opinion. The meaning does not explain the word correctly and hence is not the right answer. So, option b is the incorrect option.
Option c ‘Downgrade’ means to reduce something to a lower level of importance. The meaning does not provide the right treatment to the word given. So, this option is incorrect.
Option d ‘Deny’ means refusal to admit something that is true or something that exists. This option is also incorrect as it does not express the right meaning of the word given.
So, the correct answer is “Option a”.

Note: The meaning should be explained accompanied by an example for better understanding. Some commonly used synonyms of ‘berate’ are reprimand, reproach, reprove, etc.