French Conversation · Level 109
60 words
French word
gronder
Pronunciation
IPA/gʁɔ̃de/
Meaning
- verbscold
Example
La mère a grondé son fils parce qu'il a cassé le vase.
The mother scolded her son because he broke the vase.
More examples
Son estomac a grondé pendant la réunion.
His stomach rumbled during the meeting.
Core concept
A low rumble that becomes stern words aimed at a person who has done wrong.
Common phrases
gronder son enfant
scold his child
se faire gronder devant les autres
get scolded in front of others
l'estomac gronde
The stomach rumbles
Similar words
réprimander: To formally reprimand someone for a mistake or fault.
discipliner: To guide or punish someone to enforce proper behavior or discipline.
blâmer: To blame someone for an action or decision and hold them responsible.
Definition in French
Adresser à quelqu'un des reproches ou des paroles sévères en raison d'un comportement fautif.
Word origin
The verb comes through Old French grondre from Latin grunnire, "to grunt", linking a rumbling sound with stern speech.
Usage tips
- Gronder takes a direct object for the person rebuked: gronder son fils, not gronder à son fils.