expostulatory

[ ik-spos-chuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. expostulating; conveying expostulation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of expostulatory¹

First recorded in 1580–90; expostulate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

I drew Joe away, and he immediately became placable; merely stating to me, in an obliging manner and as a polite expostulatory notice to any one whom it might happen to concern, that he were not a-going to be bull-baited and badgered in his own place.

From Literature

Nadia Fall's production, her debut at the National, shows the play's qualities almost in spite of itself: Peter McKintosh's design has the right prosperous burnish but nearly everyone is too slow, too expostulatory, too waggingly grey-bearded.

From The Guardian

I wrote him an expostulatory letter, which evidently made no impression at all, and which he possibly might send you if you had the curiosity to apply.

From Project Gutenberg

The "expostulatory" letter to Professor Leuba began with a series of objections to statements which he had made, and continued with the passage which follows.

From Project Gutenberg

A third expostulatory epistle was forwarded, and a certain individual received an anonymous reply, saying, "Things were changed; times were altered; and it was impossible that Mr. Canning could serve the king and the cause of the person so much disliked by his majesty!"

From Project Gutenberg