reproach
C1Formal to neutral. More common in written than spoken English.
Definition
Meaning
To express disapproval or criticism to someone because of their actions or behaviour, typically in a way that suggests disappointment.
As a noun: the expression of such disapproval; a cause of blame or discredit. As a verb: to accuse someone of a fault, to admonish, to censure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a relationship where one person has the moral or emotional right to criticize another, often with a sense of personal hurt or disappointment. It is less about anger and more about a sense of letdown. Can be used reflexively ('to reproach oneself').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major syntactic or grammatical differences. Both use the word in the same way. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in American English; retains a slightly more literary or elevated tone in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English, but the difference is marginal. It is a mid-to-low frequency word in both corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reproach someone for something/for doing somethingreproach someone with somethingreproach oneselfVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “above/beyond reproach (blameless, perfect)”
- “a term of reproach (an insulting label)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contexts of ethics or performance, e.g., 'The CEO's conduct must be beyond reproach.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis, history, or ethics discussions, e.g., 'The author treats the character with reproach.'
Everyday
Used in personal relationships to express hurtful criticism, e.g., 'He looked at me with reproach.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields like engineering or IT.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She reproached him for forgetting their anniversary.
- The minister was reproached in the press for his lack of action.
- He reproached himself bitterly for his mistake.
American English
- I reproached my colleague for missing the deadline.
- Her eyes reproached me for my thoughtless comment.
- The report reproaches the administration for its failed policies.
adverb
British English
- 'You promised,' she said reproachfully.
- He looked at me reproachfully over his glasses.
American English
- She shook her head reproachfully.
- My mother sighed reproachfully when she saw the mess.
adjective
British English
- He gave her a reproachful glance.
- Her tone was quietly reproachful.
- The reproachful silence was worse than any shouting.
American English
- She fixed him with a reproachful stare.
- He spoke in a reproachful voice.
- The dog's reproachful eyes made me feel guilty.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His voice was full of reproach.
- She looked at him with reproach.
- I have nothing to reproach myself for.
- The article contained a bitter reproach of government policy.
- The judge's integrity was beyond reproach.
- He reproached his friend for his disloyalty, his words heavy with disappointment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone PROACHing (approaching) you again (RE-) just to tell you what you did wrong. RE-PROACH.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM IS A BURDEN (to bear a reproach), CRITICISM IS A WEAPON (a look that wounds).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'reproduce' (воспроизводить).
- Более формальный и эмоционально окрашенный, чем 'criticize'. Ближе по смыслу к 'упрекать', 'порицать', чем к 'критиковать'.
- Выражение 'above reproach' соответствует идиоме 'безупречный', 'неподкупный'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'reproach' with 'approach'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'tell off' or 'scold' is more natural.
- Incorrect preposition: 'reproach someone *about* something' (should be 'for' or 'with').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'above reproach'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not necessarily stronger, but it is more personal and implies disappointment from someone who has a right to expect better. 'Criticize' can be more neutral and objective.
Yes, but it's less common. For example, 'He reproached gently' is possible, but usually the object of the reproach (the person) is stated.
A 'rebuke' is often a sharp, stern, and authoritative criticism. A 'reproach' carries more emotional weight of disappointment and hurt, and can be silent (a look).
It is very rare. The standard adjective is 'reproachful' (expressing reproach). The concept of 'able to be reproached' is usually expressed by 'blameworthy' or simply 'not above reproach'.