Nelson-Denny Practice Test

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Enhance your vocabulary and reading comprehension skills with the Nelson-Denny test. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Ensure your success with detailed explanations and insights!

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Which word indicates a negative response such as a reprimand?

Commend
Berate
Support
Encourage

The correct answer is: Berate

The word that indicates a negative response such as a reprimand is "berate." This term specifically means to scold or criticize someone angrily. When someone is berated, they are being addressed in a manner that expresses disapproval or disappointment, often in a forceful way. In contrast, the other options convey positive or supportive actions. For instance, "commend" involves praising someone for their achievements, "support" refers to providing assistance or backing someone up in their efforts, and "encourage" means to give someone confidence or hope. None of these words align with the notion of a negative response, making "berate" the clear choice for indicating a reprimand.