expostulate Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ex*pos"tu*late intransitive verb

Etymology

L. expostulatus, p.p. of expostulare to demand vehemently; ex out + postulare to ask, require. See Postulate.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Expostulated;present participle & verbal noun Expostulating

Definitions

1. To reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of his conduct, representing the wrong he has done or intends, and urging him to make redress or to desist; to remonstrate; -- followed by with.

   Men expostulate with erring friends; they bring accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong. Jowett (Thuc. ).

   Syn. -- To remonstrate; reason. See Remonstrate.

Ex*pos"tu*late transitive verb

Definitions

1. To discuss; to examine. Obs.

   To expostulate What majesty should be, what duty is. Shak.