chide
Chide (verb) means to scold or express disapproval of someone, usually mildly. Example: “His mother chided him for tracking mud through the house.”
How to Use Chide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell someone off gently, usually for a fairly small mistake.
Chiding is milder than yelling or scolding harshly — it often implies a caring undertone, like a parent correcting a child.
Trace the full origin ↓Word Forms
chid past tense, chided past tense, chode past tense, chidden past tense, chides singular
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
His mother _____ him for tracking mud through the house.
Etymology
From Old English cīdan, meaning "to reproach or quarrel" — the word has kept roughly the same meaning for over a thousand years.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for chide
See all rhymes for chide →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “chide” mean?
The word “chide” means to scold or express disapproval of someone, usually mildly. In plain terms, to tell someone off gently, usually for a fairly small mistake.
How do you pronounce “chide”?
“Chide” is pronounced chyd (/ t͡ʃaɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “chide” in a sentence?
Here is “chide” used in a sentence: “His mother chided him for tracking mud through the house.”
What part of speech is “chide”?
“Chide” is a verb.
Where does the word “chide” come from?
The word “chide” comes from Old English. From Old English cīdan, meaning "to reproach or quarrel" — the word has kept roughly the same meaning for over a thousand years.