Lecture at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫɛktʃɝ/ /ˈæt

LEK-cher-at

UK

lˈɛktʃɐ/ /ˈæt

lek-CHUH-rat

Definition

To talk to someone angrily or seriously in order to criticize or instruct them, often for something they did wrong.

Usage & Nuances

'Lecture at' is usually negative and suggests talking down to someone or giving unwanted advice in a critical or scolding tone. Common with 'parents lecture at their kids.' Unlike a formal 'lecture' (presentation), it often annoys the listener.

• Spanish: reprender - regañar (tono formal)
• Portuguese (BR): repreender - dar uma bronca (tom formal)
• Portuguese (PT): repreender - dar uma lição de moral
• Chinese (Simplified): 训斥 - 训诫（正式或批评语气）
• Chinese (Traditional): 訓斥 - 訓誡（正式或批評語氣）
• Hindi: डाँटना (औपचारिक रूप में समझाना या फटकारना)
• Arabic: يُوبِّخ - يلقّن درسا (لهجة رسمية أو توبيخية)
• Bengali: ধমকানো - উপদেশ দেওয়া (গম্ভীর ভাবে)
• Russian: прочитать нотацию - отчитывать
• Japanese: 説教する - お説教をする
• Vietnamese: mắng mỏ - lên lớp (giọng trang trọng)
• Korean: 잔소리하다 - 훈계하다
• Turkish: azarlamak - nasihat vermek (resmî ya da eleştirel tonda)
• Urdu: لیکچر دینا (نصیحت یا ڈانٹنے کے انداز میں)
• Indonesian: menceramahi - menasihati keras

Example Sentences

The teacher lectured at him for not doing his homework.

basic

My mom always lectures at me about keeping my room clean.

basic

The coach lectured at the team after they lost the game.

basic

Don’t lecture at me—I know I made a mistake.

natural

He tends to lecture at people instead of having a real conversation.

natural

She hates when people lecture at her about what to eat.

natural