reprehend: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (Low frequency / Advanced)Formal, literary
Quick answer
What does “reprehend” mean?
To express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone or something).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone or something); to rebuke, reprove.
To find fault with or censure, especially in a formal, moral, or corrective manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, sometimes archaic or bookish. Can imply a judgment based on moral principles.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in formal writing, religious texts, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “reprehend” in a Sentence
[subject] reprehends [object][subject] reprehends [object] for [noun/gerund][subject] reprehends [object] for [possessive] [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reprehend” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster felt obliged to reprehend the pupil's blatant dishonesty.
- Modern critics often reprehend the author's early views on class.
American English
- The senator took to the floor to reprehend the wasteful spending.
- His memo reprehended the team for its lack of diligence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in formal reports on ethics or conduct: 'The board will rep any violation of the code.'
Academic
Found in texts on ethics, philosophy, history, or theology: 'The philosopher reprehended the utilitarian approach to justice.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not applicable in common technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reprehend”
- Incorrect: 'I reprehend to him for being late.' (Correct: 'I reprehended him for being late.')
- Incorrect: 'She was reprehended of lying.' (Correct: 'She was reprehended for lying.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. 'Criticise', 'rebuke', or 'condemn' are far more common in modern usage.
The related noun is 'reprehension'. The adjective is 'reprehensible' (deserving criticism), which is more frequently used than the verb.
Typically not. It implies serious, often moral, disapproval. For minor faults, words like 'chide' or 'admonish' are more suitable.
'Reprimand' is more specific, often implying an official rebuke from an authority. 'Reprehend' is broader, focusing on the expression of strong disapproval, which may or may not be official.
To express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone or something).
Reprehend is usually formal, literary in register.
Reprehend: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛprəˈhɛnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REProve + apprehend (to seize). To REPREHEND is to 'seize with reproof' or catch someone in wrongdoing and criticise them for it.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A COURTROOM (The reprehender is a judge issuing a verdict on someone's actions).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'reprehend' correctly?