Chidden

/ˈtʃɪdən/ verb

Definition

Past participle of 'chide'; having been scolded or criticized.

Etymology

From Old English 'cīdan,' this is the archaic past participle form of 'chide,' preserving the '-en' ending that marked past participles in Old English. Today, both 'chidden' and 'chided' are considered acceptable, showing English language change in action.

Kelly Says

The fact that 'chidden' still exists as an alternative to 'chided' shows that English speakers resist change—language is democratic, and millions of people keep old forms alive by using them, even after they've technically become old-fashioned.

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