What is lambast? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of lambast

lambastverb

/læmˈbæst//læmˈbæst/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "lambast." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic guidance and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/læmˈbæst/

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • lam: This part sounds like "lam" as in "lamp." It’s fairly straightforward.
  • bast: This is where it gets tricky. Here's how to tackle it:
    • "b" - Pronounce it like the "b" in "ball."
    • "a" - A short, open "a" sound, like in "father."
    • "st" - This is the really tricky part. It's not a typical "st" sound. It’s a blend of sounds:
      • Think of a quick, slightly aspirated “s” – It’s like you're almost blowing air as you say it. It's a subtle “h” sound combined with the “s.”
      • Imagine a very slight “sh” sound embedded within the “s.” It’s not a full “sh,” but it contributes to the sound.

Putting it all together:

Say it slowly at first: "Lam - that tricky 'bast' sound - ast."

Tips for mastering it:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are a few resources:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and then compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

  • Practice slowly: Don't try to rush it. Focus on getting each syllable correct before speeding up.

  • Focus on the “bast” part: Really concentrate on creating that blended “b-a-st” sound. It's this segment that most people struggle with.

Meaning & Usage:

"Lambast" means to criticize severely or harshly. Knowing this might give you a little context as you practice.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example sentence using the word?

Usage and examples with the word lambast in English

Let's break down how to use the word "lambast." It's a fairly formal and somewhat archaic word, so it doesn't come up in everyday conversation. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. Definition:

“Lambast” means to criticize severely or harshly; to denounce strongly. It implies a forceful and often angry condemnation. It suggests a more pointed and intense criticism than simply “criticize” or “scold.”

2. Origin & Connotation:

The word comes from the Old French word "lambastier," meaning “to strike with a lambskin” (a soft, padded weapon). This imagery suggests a forceful, perhaps even brutal, criticism. It carries a slightly old-fashioned and literary feel.

3. How to Use It – Examples:

  • Formal Criticism: “The critic lambasted the film’s direction and the actors’ performances.” (Strong disapproval)
  • Denouncing an action: “The newspaper lambasted the government’s new policy.” (Strongly condemning something)
  • Expressing outrage: "She lambasted him for his insensitive remarks." (Showing intense anger and disapproval)
  • Figurative use (less common): "The media began to lambast his leadership style." (Meaning they relentlessly attacked or criticized his leadership)

4. Forms & Variations:

  • Lambasted: Past participle (e.g., “The audience was lambasted by the reviewer.”)
  • Lambasting: Present participle (e.g., “He was lambasting the CEO for the company’s poor performance.”)

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings, but potentially different tones):

  • Criticize: (General term)
  • Denounce: (Strongly condemn)
  • Castigate: (To punish or reprimand severely)
  • Reprove: (To gently criticize) – This is the opposite of "lambast"
  • Rebuke: (To express sharp disapproval)
  • Berate: (To scold angrily)

6. When Not to Use It:

“Lambast” is much too strong for most casual situations. It's best reserved for:

  • Formal writing (essays, reports, articles)
  • Strong, pointed criticism
  • Situations where you want to convey a heightened level of disapproval

7. Example Sentences Illustrating Different Levels of Severity:

  • “The reviewer offered constructive criticism, focusing on areas for improvement, rather than lambasting the author.” (Mild criticism)
  • “The politician was relentlessly lambasted in the press for his handling of the economic crisis.” (Severe criticism)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use “lambast” in a specific context?
  • Compare it to a similar word with a slightly different nuance?

Synonyms for the word lambast

Practice with vocabulary lambast

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the company's significant financial losses, the shareholders were quick to ________ the CEO's leadership in the annual general meeting.
  2. During the quarterly review, the project manager decided to ________ the team for their outstanding innovative solutions, which significantly boosted productivity.
  3. The investigative report didn't just point out flaws; it went on to ________ the systemic failures within the organization that led to the security breach.
  4. It's crucial to ________ the specific requirements of the new compliance regulations before implementing any changes to our current procedures.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The veteran journalist didn't shy away from _____ the government's controversial new legislation, calling it "a step backward for democracy." a) commending b) lambasting c) endorsing d) excoriating e) praising

  2. Before accepting the new role, the candidate wanted to _____ the company's culture and values to ensure a good fit. a) scrutinize b) disparage c) commend d) lambast e) investigate

  3. Following the public outcry, the influential consumer watchdog group issued a statement to _____ the manufacturer for its deceptive advertising practices. a) extol b) laud c) lambast d) reprimand e) celebrate

  4. The CEO felt it was necessary to _____ the department head for their consistent failure to meet performance targets, leading to significant project delays. a) eulogize b) berate c) commend d) lambast e) praise

  5. The research team decided to _____ the findings thoroughly before presenting them at the international conference. a) extrapolate b) disseminate c) verify d) lambast e) obscure

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university administration strongly criticized the students' disruptive protest tactics, stating they violated campus rules. (Rewrite using "lambast" or a related word form)

  2. It is imperative to carefully review all clauses of the contract to avoid any future misunderstandings. (Rewrite without using "lambast" or a related word form, choosing a suitable replacement)

  3. The political commentator severely denounced the party's recent policy proposal, calling it economically unsound and socially divisive. (Rewrite using "lambast" or a related word form)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. lambast
  2. commend
  3. lambast
  4. ascertain

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) lambasting, d) excoriating
  2. a) scrutinize, e) investigate
  3. c) lambast, d) reprimand
  4. b) berate, d) lambast
  5. a) extrapolate, c) verify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The university administration lambasted the students' disruptive protest tactics, stating they violated campus rules.
  2. It is imperative to scrutinize all clauses of the contract to avoid any future misunderstandings.
  3. The political commentator lambasted the party's recent policy proposal, calling it economically unsound and socially divisive.

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