remonstrate
UK[ˈrɛmənstreɪt]US[ˈrɛmənstreɪt]
v
To protest, complain, or argue about something in a formal or forceful way.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
monstr
ate
re
again, back
monstr
show, point out
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'remonstrate' originates from the Medieval Latin verb remonstrare, meaning "to demonstrate, show, or point out." This Latin verb is itself a compound of the prefix re- (here intensifying the action) and monstrare ("to show"). The core root monstr- can be traced back to the Latin monstrum, meaning "divine omen or portent," which itself derives from the verb monere, "to warn." Thus, the literal sense of "showing back" or "pointing out forcefully" evolved into the modern meaning of making a strong, reasoned protest or objection, essentially "showing" the faults in a position.
Analysis
Structure: re (again, back) + monstr (show, point out) + ate (verb suffix)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
monstr: Latin origin (from monstrare, to show), acting as the core root meaning "to show" or "point out".
ate: Latin origin (via Old French), a suffix used to form verbs meaning "to act upon" or "to cause to become".
Examples
The residents gathered to remonstrate against the proposed construction of the highway.
He felt compelled to remonstrate with his colleague about the unethical business practices.
She remonstrated loudly, but her arguments were ultimately ignored by the committee.