Remonstrate vs Expostulate - What's the difference?
remonstrate | expostulate | Synonyms |
To object; to express disapproval ((with), (against)).
* 1724 , (Jonathan Swift), The Drapier's Letters , Letter 4:
* 2005 , Rich Bowden, "
* November 2 2014 , Daniel Taylor, "
(intransitive, chiefly, historical) Specifically, to lodge an official objection (especially by means of a remonstrance) with a monarch or other ruling body.
*2002 , , The Great Nation , Penguin 2003, page 233:
*:In 1753-4, the Parlements of Aix, Bordeaux, Rennes and Rouen remonstrated in support of the exiled Paris institution.
(often with an object consisting of direct speech or a clause beginning with that) To state or plead as an objection, formal protest, or expression of disapproval.
* 1861 , (Charles Dickens), Great Expectations , ch. 23:
* 1988 , Martin Tolchin and Barbara Gamarekian, "
To point out; to show clearly; to make plain or manifest; hence, to prove; to demonstrate.
* Ben Jonson
To protest or remonstrate; to reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of conduct.
* Jowett
* 1719,
* 1843 , '', book 2, ch. XI, ''The Abbot’s Ways
Expostulate is a synonym of remonstrate.
As verbs the difference between remonstrate and expostulate
is that remonstrate is to object; to express disapproval ((with), (against)) while expostulate is to protest or remonstrate; to reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of conduct.remonstrate
English
Verb
(remonstrat)- Whitshed, the Chief Justice, consistently with his action on a previous occasion (see volume vii.), angrily remonstrated with the jury, demanded of them their reasons for such a decision, and finally dissolved them.
Japanese P.M. Apologizes for Wartime Aggression," World Press Review , 26 April (retrieved 2 Aug. 2010),
- Following weeks of bitter protests by Chinese demonstrators remonstrating against Japanese wartime atrocities, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has moved to heal the rift between the two nations by apologizing for Japan’s World War II record.
Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk
- Wayne Rooney spent much of the game remonstrating with Oliver about his own grievances and, in the interest of balance, there were certainly occasions when United had legitimate complaints.
- "Belinda," remonstrated Mr. Pocket, from the other end of the table, "how can you be so unreasonable?"
What's in a Name?," New York Times , 18 May (retrieved 2 Aug 2010):
- In a recent column in The New York Times, William Safire referred to Mr. Morris as Ed. This prompted Mr. Morris to write "an open letter" to Mr. Safire remonstrating that, in his case, such usage "grates like sand in salad."
- (Jeremy Taylor)
- I will remonstrate to you the third door.
Synonyms
* demur, expostulateexpostulate
English
Verb
(expostulat)- Men expostulate with erring friends; they bring accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong.
- The tears would run plentifully down my face when I made these reflections; and sometimes I would expostulate with myself why Providence should thus completely ruin His creatures, and render them so absolutely miserable; so without help, abandoned, so entirely depressed, that it could hardly be rational to be thankful for such a life.
- […] he affectionately loved many persons to whom he never or hardly ever shewed a countenance of love. Once on my venturing to expostulate with him on the subject, he reminded me of Solomon: “Many sons I have; it is not fit that I should smile on them.”