What is revile? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of revile

revileverb

/rɪˈvaɪl//rɪˈvaɪl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "revile." It can be tricky for some learners! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /rɪˈvaɪl/ (This is the most accurate representation)

2. Breakdown by Syllable:

  • re-: Pronounced like the "re" in "red." Short and crisp.
  • vi-: Pronounced like "vee" – as in "vehicle."
  • -ile: Pronounced like "ail" – as in "fail" or "rail."

3. Putting it together – a more verbal guide:

  1. "Reh": Say "re" quickly and lightly, followed by a short "h" sound.
  2. "Vee": This is a clear, straightforward “vee” sound.
  3. "Ail": Say “ail” – like you're saying "he failed."

4. Tips for sounding natural:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: “reˈvaɪl”.
  • Don’t over-articulate: It’s not a dramatically stretched pronunciation. Keep it relatively smooth.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get a feel for it is to hear it spoken.

Here are some resources where you can hear the word pronounced:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with to build your pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word revile in English

Let's break down how to use the word "revile." It's a strong word, so it's important to use it correctly.

1. Meaning:

"Revile" means to denounce or criticize severely; to express strong disapproval or hatred. It’s more forceful than “criticize” or “disparage.” It implies a passionate and often hostile reaction.

2. Parts of Speech:

  • Verb: This is the most common usage. It describes an action – someone reviling something or someone.

3. How to Use It – Examples:

Here are some examples demonstrating how to incorporate "revile" into sentences, with slightly different nuances:

  • Formal: “The critics reviled the film for its poor acting and predictable plot.” (Strong, negative assessment)
  • Stronger: “He reviled his former business partner, accusing him of fraud and dishonesty.” (Expressing intense anger and condemnation)
  • Figurative: “The crowd reviled the politician’s speech, booing and shouting insults.” (Describes a collective, hostile reaction)
  • Describing a Person's Actions: “She reviled him with a torrent of angry words.” (Focuses on the act of speaking harshly)
  • Referring to an Idea: "The movement was reviled by many conservatives for its radical views.” (Denouncing an idea or ideology)

4. Synonyms (to help you understand the range):

  • Denounce
  • Condemn
  • Abhor
  • Disparage
  • Vilify
  • Castigate
  • Criticize harshly
  • Reproach

5. Important Considerations:

  • Tone: "Revile" carries a significantly negative tone. It’s not appropriate for neutral or mild criticism.
  • Intensity: It suggests a high degree of emotion – anger, disgust, or hatred.
  • Formality: It’s considered a somewhat formal word. You'd generally use it in writing or more serious conversations.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overuse: Don’t use “revile” frequently. It's a powerful word, and using it too often can make your writing feel melodramatic or strained.
  • Misusing it for simple criticism: If you just want to say someone isn’t good at something, “criticize” or "disapprove" is usually a better choice.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "revile"? (e.g., a story, an essay, a conversation?)
  • What are you trying to convey? (e.g., strong disapproval, a passionate attack, a feeling of disgust?)

Synonyms for the word revile

Practice with vocabulary revile

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the heated public forum, several attendees began to _________ the city council's decision, calling it irresponsible and short-sighted.
  2. The investigative report aimed to _________ the complex financial transactions that led to the company's collapse, making them comprehensible to the public.
  3. It is easy to _________ political opponents, but constructive dialogue requires focusing on policies rather than personal attacks.
  4. The research team had to _________ the validity of the previous findings, as new data contradicted key conclusions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describes expressing severe disapproval or criticism of someone or something? A) Applaud B) Praise C) Censure D) Endorse E) Revile

  2. After the company's unethical practices were exposed, many consumers chose to _________ its leadership. A) Commend B) Extol C) Lambaste D) Laud E) Revile

  3. The project manager requested that all team members _________ the new safety protocols, ensuring everyone understood their importance. A) Adhere to B) Revile C) Disregard D) Abide by E) Ignore

  4. It is crucial for journalists to _________ all aspects of a story, presenting a balanced view rather than a biased one. A) Obscure B) Vilify C) Cover D) Expose E) Revile

  5. The online community did not hesitate to _________ the celebrity for their insensitive remarks, demanding a public apology. A) Glorify B) Denounce C) Condemn D) Flatter E) Revile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The audience was incredibly angry and openly criticized the speaker's controversial statements. Rewrite using a form of "revile":

  2. Despite facing intense public criticism, the artist refused to apologize for his provocative exhibition. Rewrite using a form of "revile":

  3. The board of directors openly criticized the CEO for his poor financial management during the quarterly meeting. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "criticized", without using "revile" or its forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the heated public forum, several attendees began to revile the city council's decision, calling it irresponsible and short-sighted.
  2. The investigative report aimed to elucidate the complex financial transactions that led to the company's collapse, making them comprehensible to the public.
  3. It is easy to revile political opponents, but constructive dialogue requires focusing on policies rather than personal attacks.
  4. The research team had to dispute the validity of the previous findings, as new data contradicted key conclusions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Censure, E) Revile
  2. C) Lambaste, E) Revile
  3. A) Adhere to, D) Abide by
  4. C) Cover, D) Expose
  5. B) Denounce, C) Condemn, E) Revile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The audience began to revile the speaker for his controversial statements.
  2. Despite facing intense public revilement, the artist refused to apologize for his provocative exhibition.
  3. The board of directors openly condemned the CEO for his poor financial management during the quarterly meeting.

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