Which word matches the definition: 'to criticize someone strongly because you disapprove of what the person has said or done'?

Which word matches the definition: 'to criticize someone strongly because you disapprove of what the person has said or done'?

• A. reverie
• B. rebuke
• C. credulous
• D. invidious

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is identifying a word that means sharply criticizing someone because you disapprove of their actions. Rebuke captures that exactly: to rebuke someone is to express strong disapproval or scold them for what they have said or done. It can be used as a verb (to rebuke) or a noun (a rebuke), but the core sense is a pointed reprimand aimed at correcting behavior. For example: "The coach rebuked the players for arriving late." This shows a direct expression of disapproval in response to conduct. The other words don’t convey that act of delivering a strong warning or reprimand. Reverie means a daydream or pleasant trance; credulous means overly ready to believe something; invidious describes something likely to cause envy, resentment, or unfair discrimination. None of these fit the sense of issuing a sharp disapproval for what someone has said or done.

The main idea here is identifying a word that means sharply criticizing someone because you disapprove of their actions. Rebuke captures that exactly: to rebuke someone is to express strong disapproval or scold them for what they have said or done. It can be used as a verb (to rebuke) or a noun (a rebuke), but the core sense is a pointed reprimand aimed at correcting behavior. For example: "The coach rebuked the players for arriving late." This shows a direct expression of disapproval in response to conduct.

The other words don’t convey that act of delivering a strong warning or reprimand. Reverie means a daydream or pleasant trance; credulous means overly ready to believe something; invidious describes something likely to cause envy, resentment, or unfair discrimination. None of these fit the sense of issuing a sharp disapproval for what someone has said or done.