chiding
Mild verbal correction
Chiding is scolding or expressing disapproval, typically in a mild or gentle way: She gave him a chiding look when he interrupted.
The tone suggests correction rather than harsh rebuke—a parent chiding a child for forgetting chores, a friend chiding another for being late.
The verb is chide.
Express sharp disapproval
- reproofExpression of blame
- reproachExpression of disappointment
- upbraidCriticize harshly, verbally
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
reprimand · admonish · scold · berate · castigate · lecture · harangue · remonstrate
Judgment of faults
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- discontentUnhappiness with circumstances
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
frown · censure · objection · disfavor · reproachful · critical · judgmental · dismay
Making disapproving sounds
- tsk-tskReproachful clicking sound
- gentleSoft and kind
- headshakeLateral head movement meaning no
- sighingAudible breath of emotion
frown · nudging · reminding · cautioning · hinting · prodding · urging · soft
Trained self-control or specialty
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- boundariesLines marking separation
- teachingProfession of instructing others
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
nurture · authority · expectations · patience · instruction · admonition · grounding · timeout
Persistent bothering or complaining
- sharp-tonguedGiven to cutting remarks
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- accusatoryExpressing blame or fault
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
impatient · exasperated · weary · resigned · disappointed · frustrated · irritated · terse
Unpleasantly severe or rough
- severeExtremely harsh or strict
- strictRigorous, without flexibility
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- firmSolid or resolute
unsmiling · grim · forbidding · authoritative · demanding · exacting · cold · disapproving
rebuke
Express sharp disapproval
censure · reprimand · admonish · scold · berate · castigate · lecture · harangue · remonstrate · objurgate
criticism
Judgment of faults
- disapprovalUnfavorable opinion expressed
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
- discontentUnhappiness with circumstances
dissatisfaction · frown · censure · objection · disfavor · reproachful · critical · judgmental · dismay · exasperation
tut-tutting
Making disapproving sounds
sighing · frown · nudging · reminding · cautioning · hinting · prodding · urging · soft · clucking
discipline
Trained self-control or specialty
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- boundariesLines marking separation
- teachingProfession of instructing others
guidance · nurture · authority · expectations · patience · instruction · admonition · grounding · timeout · lecturing
nagging
Persistent bothering or complaining
- sharp-tonguedGiven to cutting remarks
- reproachfulShowing blame or disappointment
- accusatoryExpressing blame or fault
critical · impatient · exasperated · weary · resigned · disappointed · frustrated · irritated · terse · clipped
harsh
Unpleasantly severe or rough
firm · unsmiling · grim · forbidding · authoritative · demanding · exacting · cold · disapproving · withering
- disapprovaldisapproval, scowl, disapprove, disapproves, frown
- reprimandsrebuke, reprimand, censure, admonition, reproach
- reproachesblaming, rebuking, reprimanding, censuring, criticizing
- reproofsrebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition, reproach
- reactionsreaction, response, gasp, wince, flinch
- showing disapprovalbooing, hissing, jeering, frowning, scowling
chidingpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · lauding · complimenting · applauding · extolling
chidingencouraging
Giving confidence or hope
reassuring · comforting · affirming · supporting · nurturing