expostulatory

[ ik-spos-chuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ ɪkˈspɒs tʃə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

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expostulating; conveying expostulation.

QUIZZES

Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between it’s and its in this crafty quiz!

Question 1 of 12

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

Also ex·pos·tu·la·tive

[ik-spos-chuh-ley-tiv]. /ɪkˈspɒs tʃəˌleɪ tɪv/.

First recorded in 1580–90; expostulate + -ory¹

Columbus wrote on October 20 an expostulatory letter to Roldan.
Christopher Columbus and How He Received and Imparted the Spirit of Discovery|Justin Winsor
It never occurred to Shelley to take offence at the freedom of Godwins expostulatory letter.
The Real Shelley, Vol. II (of 2)|John Cordy Jeaffreson
It was evident that the men were disconcerted, and an expostulatory murmur rose from them.
The Greater Power|Harold Bindloss
He could hear them talking, Rouminof's voice thick and expostulatory, Charley's even and clear.
The Black Opal|Katharine Susannah Prichard

But the moment her minois mutin meets my eye, expostulatory words crowd to my lips.
Shirley|Charlotte Bront