You know that feeling when you've done something slightly boneheaded, and your mom or a close friend gives you that "I'm not mad, just disappointed" look? That is the essence of a chide. It’s not a screaming match. It isn't a drill sergeant losing their mind. It’s a gentle, often constructive, nudge. If you've ever wondered how to use chide in a sentence without sounding like a Victorian novelist, you aren't alone. Language is shifting. Words that felt dusty twenty years ago are popping up in Slack channels and Twitter threads because we're looking for nuance that "yelling" or "criticizing" just doesn't capture.
Words matter.
Honestly, most people mix up chiding with scolding or berating. There’s a massive difference. To chide someone is to voice disapproval, but usually in a way that aims to correct them rather than crush their spirit. Think of it as "constructive criticism's" more poetic cousin. It’s about the vibe.
What Does Chiding Actually Look Like?
When you look for ways to use chide in a sentence, you have to understand the social weight of the word. Merriam-Webster defines it as "to voice disapproval to" or "to reproach in a mild and constructive manner." But dictionaries are dry. Let’s look at how it feels in the real world.
Imagine a coach who sees a talented player slacking during warm-ups. The coach doesn't bench them immediately. Instead, they might chide the athlete for their lack of focus. It's a verbal tap on the shoulder.
"The manager didn't hesitate to chide the team for their messy desks, though she did it with a wink that suggested she wasn't actually angry."
See that? The "wink" is the key. You can't really "berate" someone with a wink. That would be terrifying. But you can chide them. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a light swat on the hand.
The Etymology Bit (Because History is Cool)
The word comes from the Old English cīdan. It’s been around since before the 12th century. Back then, it was a bit more aggressive. Over hundreds of years, the edges softened. It’s like a stone in a river—the more it’s used, the smoother it gets. Today, if you use it in a modern office or a casual text, you’re signaling that you have a sophisticated vocabulary but you aren't trying to be a jerk.
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Mastering the Nuance: Chide vs. Scold vs. Rebuke
If you want to use chide in a sentence correctly, you have to know where it sits on the "Anger Scale."
- Scold: This is what you do to a dog that ate your shoe or a toddler who drew on the wall with Sharpie. It’s noisy. It’s often one-sided.
- Rebuke: This is sharp. It’s official. If a judge speaks to a lawyer, they rebuke them. It’s cold and formal.
- Chide: This is the sweet spot. It’s for friends, colleagues, and partners.
"She would often chide her husband for his tendency to leave half-finished cups of coffee in every room of the house."
That’s a relatable, human moment. It’s not a divorce-level argument. It’s just... a chide.
Why "Chide" Is Actually Perfect for Remote Work
Remote work is a minefield for tone. Since we can't see body language, every "per my last email" feels like a slap. This is where "chide" saves the day. Using the word itself in a message can actually de-escalate tension.
"Hey, I'm gonna chide you a little bit for missing that deadline, but let's get it sorted by Friday."
By naming the action, you’re admitting that you’re being a bit "schoolmarmish" or "parental," which adds a layer of self-awareness. It’s a lot better than just being passive-aggressive.
Practical Examples: Chide in a Sentence Across Different Contexts
Let's get into the meat of it. You want examples that feel real, not like they were ripped from a 1950s grammar textbook.
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In a Professional Setting
- "The CEO took a moment during the town hall to chide the industry for its slow adoption of green energy."
- "Don't chide me for being five minutes late to the Zoom call; my cat had an emergency."
- "While the review was mostly positive, the critic did chide the developers for the game's clunky user interface."
In Personal Relationships
- "My grandma used to chide us for not wearing hats in the winter, claiming we'd catch a 'death of cold' by sunset."
- "It’s easy to chide yourself for making mistakes, but honestly, everyone is just winging it."
- "He expected his girlfriend to chide him for forgetting their anniversary, but her silence was actually much scarier."
In Literature and Journalism
Journalists love this word. It’s short, punchy, and fits perfectly in a headline.
- "Editorial boards across the country began to chide the senator for his flip-flopping on the tax bill."
- "In his latest memoir, the actor doesn't shy away from chiding his younger self for being arrogant."
The Grammar of Chiding: Prepositions Matter
Most people get stuck on what follows the word. Usually, you chide [someone] for [something].
You don't "chide at" someone. That’s "yell at."
You don't "chide about."
Keep it direct.
"I chide you for your taste in movies." Simple. Clean. Effective.
Common Misconceptions About the Word "Chide"
One big mistake is thinking "chide" is only for small things. While it is "mild," it can be used for serious topics if the delivery is what matters.
For instance, a religious leader might chide their congregation for a lack of charity. The topic (charity) is serious, but the "chide" suggests a call to conscience rather than a fire-and-brimstone condemnation.
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Another misconception? That it's a "feminine" word. There’s this weird trope in old literature where only mothers or aunts "chide." That’s nonsense. A drill instructor can chide a recruit. A scientist can chide a colleague for a sloppy lab report. It’s a gender-neutral tool for anyone who wants to express disapproval without burning the whole house down.
How to Use "Chide" to Improve Your Writing
If you're a writer, "chide" is a scalpel. Use it when you want to show a character's personality.
If a character "screams," they’re out of control.
If they "chide," they are in a position of power or at least feel comfortable enough to correct someone else. It shows intimacy. You don't chide a total stranger on the subway—you'd probably just glare or mutter. You chide people you know.
Synonyms That Don't Quite Hit the Same
Sometimes you'll want to swap it out. But be careful.
- Admonish: This is much more "teacher-like." It feels like you're about to get detention.
- Berate: This is mean. It’s an attack.
- Upbraid: This is very formal. It sounds like something that happens in a boardroom or a courtroom.
- Reprove: This is a bit more moralistic.
Basically, "chide" is the friendliest of the bunch.
Actionable Tips for Using "Chide" Successfully
If you’re ready to add this to your regular vocabulary, keep these three rules in mind:
- Check the Stakes: If someone just crashed your car, don't "chide" them. That's a "berate" or "scream" situation. If they forgot to refill the ice cube tray, "chide" is perfect.
- Watch the Audience: In a very formal business proposal, "chide" might feel a little too casual or "quaint." But in a blog post, a Slack message, or a speech, it works wonders.
- Vary the Tense: Don't forget its forms. Chided, chiding, chides.
- "He was chiding the waiter for the cold soup." (Ongoing action)
- "She chided him yesterday." (Past)
A Final Thought on Word Choice
Language is a playground. When you choose to use chide in a sentence, you're opting for a word that carries a bit of history, a bit of warmth, and a lot of clarity. It tells the reader or listener exactly what the emotional temperature of the room is. It’s about 72 degrees—not freezing, not boiling. Just right.
Next Steps for Your Vocabulary:
- Try it out today: Use "chide" in a casual conversation or a text to a friend.
- Contextual Reading: Look for the word in the New York Times or The Guardian opinion sections; it’s a favorite among columnists.
- Write a Practice Sentence: Take a common annoyance you have (like people who don't return grocery carts) and write a sentence using the word "chide."
By integrating these types of words into your daily life, you don't just sound smarter—you communicate more precisely. And in a world of loud noises and constant shouting, a well-placed chide can be surprisingly refreshing.