What is censure? Pronunciation and usage in English

censure means . Learn how to pronounce and use censure through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of censure

censurenoun

/ˈsenʃə(r)//ˈsenʃər/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "censure." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into two syllables:

  • cense (like "sense" - as in, "make sense")
  • sure (rhymes with "pure")

2. Pronunciation (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • ˈsens.ʃər (This is a good guide, but don't be intimidated by the symbols!)

3. How to Say it (Step-by-Step):

  • Start with "sense": Say the word "sense" clearly.
  • Add the "sh" sound: Now, put a "sh" sound after "sense." It's a gentle "sh" – not a harsh "sh" like in "ship." Think more like the "sh" in "measure."
  • Finish with "sure": Add the final syllable "sure" as you would with the word "sure."

Putting it all together: It sounds roughly like: "sense-shur"

Tips & Common Mispronunciations:

  • Don't pronounce the "r" at the end. It's often dropped in casual speech.
  • Avoid making it sound like "sin-sure." That's a very common mistake.

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Say the word aloud?
  • Give you some example sentences using “censure”?

Usage and examples with the word censure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "censure" effectively in English. It’s a fairly formal and weighty word, so it’s important to understand its nuances.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Censure means to express strong disapproval of someone or something, often formally and publicly. It implies a judgment of guilt or wrongdoing and a declaration of condemnation. It's more than just criticizing; it's a formal reprimand.

2. How It's Used – Different Contexts:

  • Formal Criticism/Judgement: This is the most common usage. Think of it like a formal judgment passed by a body (a committee, a court, a professional organization).

    • Example: “The ethics committee issued a formal censure against the professor for violating research integrity standards.”
    • Example: “The council voted to censure the mayor for his controversial comments.”

  • Expressing Strong Disapproval (Less Formal): While primarily formal, it can be used to express strong disapproval in a less official setting, but it still carries a certain gravity. Use with caution.

    • Example: "I must censure myself for being so late – I completely forgot about the meeting." (Here, it's self-directed and indicates a strong feeling of regret).
    • Example: "I censured him for his disrespectful behavior, though I didn’t want to be harsh." (Still formal, but used to deliver a serious rebuke.)

3. Key Nuances & Related Words:

  • Formal vs. Informal: Compared to words like “criticize,” “scold,” or “reproach,” "censure" is much more formal.
  • Public vs. Private: Censure often implies a public declaration of disapproval. A private reprimand would be a different term (e.g., "caution," "admonish").
  • Consequences: Censure often carries consequences – suspension, loss of privileges, reputational damage, etc. It’s not just a verbal dressing-down.

4. Synonyms (to help you choose the right word):

  • Reprimand: A general formal rebuke.
  • Condemn: To express forceful disapproval; to denounce.
  • Rebuke: A sharp expression of disapproval.
  • Admonish: To caution or advise against something.
  • Castigate: To punish severely.
  • Denounce: To publicly declare something to be wrong or evil.

5. Example Sentences (Showing Different Uses):

  • Legal Context: “The judge issued a censure against the lawyer for presenting misleading evidence.”
  • Organizational Context: “The board of directors issued a censure to the CEO for mismanagement of funds.”
  • Academic Context: “The university’s faculty senate censured the professor for plagiarism.”
  • Personal (Rare, Careful Usage): “I censured myself for failing to follow through on my promise.”

6. Important Note on Tone:

Because "censure" is so strong, it’s easy to overuse it or use it inappropriately. Consider whether a less dramatic word would convey your meaning more effectively.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "censure"? (e.g., writing a formal report, a casual conversation, a creative writing piece?)

Synonyms for the word censure

Practice with vocabulary censure

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The university's academic council voted to officially _____ the professor for plagiarism, leading to his temporary suspension.
  2. The latest government report faced strong _____ from opposition parties regarding its economic forecasts.
  3. Despite the widespread _____, the city council decided to proceed with the controversial urban development plan.
  4. Before implementing the new security protocols, the IT department decided to _____ all proposed changes thoroughly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms signifies a formal statement of severe disapproval? a) commendation b) endorsement c) censure d) ratification

  2. The board's decision to publicly _____ the executive's unethical practices sent a clear message across the organization. a) laud b) commend c) admonish d) censure

  3. Which of the following actions might a professional body take to express strong disapproval of a member's misconduct? (Choose all that apply) a) issue a formal commendation b) impose a fine c) issue a public reprimand d) vote to censure e) grant an award

  4. Which word best describes a strong, critical attack on someone or something, often in public? a) eulogy b) panegyric c) excoriate d) extol

  5. The new policy was met with widespread _____ from various advocacy groups, prompting the government to reconsider some of its provisions. a) acclamation b) approbation c) opposition d) endorsement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The academic board expressed strong disapproval of the researcher's methodology and lack of data transparency. (Rewrite using "censure" or a related word form.)
  2. Public condemnation of the government's handling of the crisis led to significant political pressure. (Rewrite using "censure" or a related word form.)
  3. The supervisor provided constructive feedback to the intern, pointing out areas for improvement in a supportive manner. (Rewrite without using "censure", but using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. censure
  2. censure
  3. opposition
  4. scrutinize

Exercise 2:

  1. c) censure
  2. d) censure
  3. b) impose a fine, c) issue a public reprimand, d) vote to censure
  4. c) excoriate
  5. c) opposition

Exercise 3:

  1. The academic board censured the researcher's methodology and lack of data transparency.
  2. The government's handling of the crisis faced widespread public censure, leading to significant political pressure.
  3. The supervisor advised the intern on areas for improvement in a supportive manner.

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