Expostulate

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈspɑːstjəˌleɪt/

Definitions of expostulate

verb to express strong disapproval or disagreement; to argue or reason with someone in order to dissuade or correct them

Example Sentences

A1 She expostulated with her friend for being late to the party.

A2 The teacher expostulated with the students for not completing their homework.

B1 The customer expostulated with the manager about the poor service at the restaurant.

B2 The lawyer expostulated with the judge over the admissibility of the evidence.

C1 The politician expostulated with the opposition party during the debate.

C2 The professor expostulated with the academic community about the importance of research ethics.

Examples of expostulate in a Sentence

formal The lawyer began to expostulate with the judge about the unfair ruling.

informal She always expostulates with her parents when she doesn't get her way.

slang I heard him expostulate with his boss after being passed over for a promotion.

figurative The artist used his painting to expostulate against social injustice.

Grammatical Forms of expostulate

• past tense: expostulated
• plural: expostulate
• comparative: more expostulate
• superlative: most expostulate
• present tense: expostulates
• future tense: will expostulate
• perfect tense: has expostulated
• continuous tense: is expostulating
• singular: expostulates
• positive degree: expostulate
• infinitive: to expostulate
• gerund: expostulating
• participle: expostulated

Origin and Evolution of expostulate

First Known Use: 1580 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'expostulate' originated from the Latin word 'expostulatus', which means to demand or to inquire.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'expostulate' has evolved to mean to reason earnestly with someone in an effort to dissuade or correct their actions.