Recording correction: The previously embedded recording teaches esoteric, a different word. It has been removed from this page. Study the correct meaning of excoriate, its examples and practice below.
Reading notes: Excoriate
Excoriate (verb): To criticize someone or something very severely.
Use it accurately
The pattern is “excoriate someone for something”. This is a strong formal verb, so it is not an everyday synonym for offering a small correction. It also has a separate literal sense involving damage to the skin.
Original example sentences
The reviewer excoriated the report for ignoring its own evidence.
The editorial excoriates the decision to close the library.
Check your understanding
Choose a past-tense form: “The critic ___ the proposal.”
Answer: Excoriated. Use excoriates with a singular subject in the simple present.
Dictionary reference: Excoriate
Choose the strength of criticism
One reviewer notes a small spelling mistake. Another attacks a report fiercely for repeatedly misrepresenting the evidence.
Think it through: Which response could be described with “excoriate”?
Check the explanation
The second. Excoriate conveys severe criticism, so it would overstate the first reviewer’s mild correction. A useful pattern is “The reviewer excoriated the report for misrepresenting the evidence.”
Your turn: Rewrite the first response with a milder verb such as “noted” or “criticized”.
Study excoriate in the written lesson: meaning and further examples.
Put your learning into practice
- Choose a word or phrase from the lesson and explain its meaning in your own words.
- Read the examples, try the practice question, then check the explanation.
- Create a sentence about your own life. Say it aloud without looking at your notes.