Expressing Opinions: English Vocabulary List

to publicly express one's disapproval of something or someone

"The leader denounced the violent protests."

"The activist stood up to denounce the government's unjust policies during the public rally."

to blame someone for a mistake they made

"Do not reproach yourself for mistakes."

"Do not reproach yourself for past mistakes because everyone makes errors and learns from them over time."

to speak negatively about someone, often shaming them

"Do not disparage your competitors unfairly."

"It is unprofessional to disparage your coworkers behind their backs instead of addressing issues directly with them."

to complain quietly or softly, often in a way that others cannot hear or understand

"The employees grumble about low pay."

"He would often grumble under his breath about the unfairness of the situation, but never spoke up directly."

to complain or express dissatisfaction about something

"Don't gripe about the weather."

"People often gripe about long commutes, but they rarely take action to change their daily routines."

to criticize in a severe and harsh manner

"The teacher will scold you."

"The mother had to scold her young son for running into the busy street without looking for cars."

to criticize someone or something in a harsh insulting manner

"The crowd began to revile the speaker."

"The former employees began to revile the company on social media after being laid off without severance pay."

to openly express one's extreme disapproval or criticism

"They decry the new law."

"The editorial went on to decry the lack of affordable housing for low income families in the city."

to strongly criticize someone for their actions or words

"The manager rebuked the employee publicly."

"The manager publicly rebuked the employee for making a careless mistake that cost the company a valuable client."

to spread bad and awful commentaries about someone in order to damage their reputation

"The press tends to vilify politicians."

"The press tends to vilify politicians who make unpopular decisions rather than explaining the reasoning behind their choices."

to strongly criticize in an official manner

"The committee voted to censure the senator."

"The committee voted to censure the senator for violating ethical standards and abusing his position."

to severely criticize or scold someone for their actions or behaviors

"The boss will reprimand the lazy worker."

"The boss will reprimand any employee who arrives late to work without a valid excuse."

to criticize or speak unfavorably about someone or something, often in an unfair or unkind way.

"Do not badmouth your former employer."

"It is never a good idea to badmouth your former employer during a job interview with a new company."

to make false and adverse statements about someone for defamation

"It is illegal to slander someone's reputation."

"It is illegal to slander someone's reputation by spreading false rumors that damage their good name."

to tell a person that one admires something about them such as achievements, appearance, etc.

"She complimented her friend's new hairstyle."

"The manager took a moment to compliment the team on their excellent performance during the difficult project."

to feel or show great joy, delight, or happiness

"Everyone rejoiced at the good news."

"The whole family gathered to rejoice at the good news of their daughter's acceptance into medical school."

to criticize someone for their actions or behavior, often implying a need for correction

"The father reproved his son gently."

"The father gently reproved his son for forgetting to call his grandmother on her birthday."

to confirm a legal decision or judgment

"The court affirmed the previous decision."

"The court affirmed the previous decision confirming that the lower court had made the correct ruling."

to make fun of someone or something

"Do not ridicule people for their mistakes."

"It is cruel to ridicule someone for their appearance because everyone is unique and deserves to be treated with respect."