verb
chide
chyd
Chide (verb) means to scold or express disapproval of someone, usually mildly. Example: “His mother chided him for tracking mud through the house.”
verb
1
To scold or express disapproval of someone, usually mildly.
"His mother chided him for tracking mud through the house."
"The coach chided the team for their sloppy passing."
How to use chide
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo tell someone off gently, usually for a fairly small mistake.
Memory tip
Chiding is milder than yelling or scolding harshly — it often implies a caring undertone, like a parent correcting a child.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
gently chide
chide someone for
chide him/her
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- chides
- Past tense
- chid, chided, chode, chidden
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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
