Build a richer and more precise English vocabulary one useful word at a time.

A daily feed for upper-intermediate English learners, covering practical words such as contingent, pragmatic, reprimand, mantra, bide and similar words.

Each lesson explains one valuable word in a clear and memorable way, including pronunciation, meaning, natural example sentences, formality level, word origin or related words, synonyms, antonyms, and a simple memory trick.

Sample full lesson from this feed:

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Reprimand (pronounced REP-ri-mand)

A verb meaning to rebuke, scold, or criticize someone, often formally or officially, for a fault or mistake.

Examples:

• The manager had to reprimand the employee for repeatedly arriving late to meetings.

• The teacher quietly reprimanded the student for whispering during the exam.

• After the safety violation, the foreman publicly reprimanded the entire crew.

Sample quote:

A reprimand may sting at first, but it can also guide someone back toward better judgment.

Origin:

From French réprimander, meaning “to reprove,” ultimately related to Latin reprimere, meaning “to press back” or “restrain,” from re- (“back”) and premere (“to press”).

Formality:

Reprimand has a formal or official tone and is often used in workplaces, schools, military settings, or disciplinary situations.

How to remember it:

Think of reprimand as someone being “pressed back” into proper behavior after doing something wrong.

Synonyms:

Rebuke, scold, admonish, censure, chastise

Antonyms:

Praise, commend, compliment, applaud, approve

Do you remember yesterday's word "pragmatic"? It means dealing with things sensibly and realistically. She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem.

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