Showing results for "berating"

• present participle of berate.

berating

American  

[bih-ray-ting] / bɪˈreɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or habit of scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing another.

   The player earned a red card for his constant berating of the referee.

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adjective

1. scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing.

   When you talk to him about these behavioral issues, take care not to use a berating tone.

Etymology

Origin of berating

First recorded in 1830–40; berat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; berat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

berating

"I started to feel guilty and started berating myself internally for it all."

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

What happened Tuesday should scare away any of the remaining top prospects who would want to play for this berating blowhard.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2026

Since Takaichi’s remark on Taiwan in November, Beijing’s retaliation has included berating Tokyo at the United Nations, canceling flights to Japan and tightening export controls on goods with potential military uses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 13, 2026

The Australian skipper removed him for a 13th time in Tests, more than any other bowler, with a furious Root berating himself after prodding at a full delivery and feathering to Carey.

From Barron's ● Dec. 20, 2025

Seven turned to Thorn, fire in her gaze as she opened her hand to reveal the button she had taken from Mr. Pepperhorn’s jacket while he was busy berating them.

From "Witchlings" by Claribel A. Ortega

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Related Words

• admonition
• censure
• condemnation
• disapproval
• punishment
• rebuff
• reproach
• snub

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