expostulate
UK: /ɪkˈspɒstʃəleɪt/ | US: /ɪkˈspɑːstʃəleɪt/
vi. to reason earnestly with someone in an effort to dissuade or correct
vi. to argue or protest against an action or idea
expostulate = ex<out> + postul<demand> + ate<verb suffix>
- ex: Latin prefix meaning "out" or "thoroughly."
- postul: Derived from Latin postulare, meaning "to demand" or "to claim."
- ate: Verb-forming suffix indicating action.
Etymology Origin:
The word expostulate originates from Latin expostulare ("to demand urgently"), combining ex- (intensifying "out") and postulare ("to demand"). It entered English in the 16th century, initially meaning "to demand an explanation" before evolving to its modern sense of earnest protest or dissuasion. The logic reflects pushing (ex-) a forceful argument (postul-) against an action.
She tried to expostulate with him about the risks of his reckless plan.
The teacher expostulated against the students’ laziness, urging them to study harder.
He expostulated at length, but his colleagues refused to listen.
Parents often expostulate with teenagers about their late-night habits.
The senator expostulated against the proposed law, calling it unjust.