reprobance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Rare / ArchaicFormal, Literary, Theological, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “reprobance” mean?
The state or character of being morally depraved.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state or character of being morally depraved; utter wickedness or sinfulness.
The state of being rejected by God; condemnation. In a secular context, strong disapproval or moral condemnation of a person's character or actions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern difference. Both regions consider the word equally archaic. Historically, it may have had slightly more currency in British theological writing.
Connotations
Connotes severe moral judgment, often with a religious or fateful undertone.
Frequency
Essentially unused in contemporary language in both varieties. Found only in historical or deeply literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “reprobance” in a Sentence
[His/Their] + [utter/complete] + reprobancethe reprobance + of + [the heart/soul/character]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reprobance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This form does not exist.
American English
- This form does not exist.
adverb
British English
- This form does not exist.
American English
- This form does not exist.
adjective
British English
- The archbishop spoke of the reprobate soul's utter reprobance.
American English
- The preacher described their reprobant state, a condition of complete reprobance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Extremely rare, only in historical analysis of theology or literature.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Obsolete theological term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reprobance”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reprobance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reprobance”
- Confusing it with 'reprobation' (the act of condemning) or 'reprobate' (the person). 'Reprobance' is the abstract state.
- Using it in modern contexts.
- Misspelling as 'reproabance' or 'reprobatance'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic. You are unlikely to encounter it outside of historical or specialized theological texts.
'Reprobate' is primarily a noun or adjective referring to a morally unprincipled person or their character. 'Reprobance' is a noun referring to the abstract state or quality of being such a person.
Generally, no. It would sound stilted and archaic. Use modern synonyms like 'depravity', 'wickedness', or 'corruption' instead.
Yes, they are closely related. 'Reprobation' is the *act* of rejecting or condemning, often by God. 'Reprobance' is the resulting *state* of the condemned person or soul.
The state or character of being morally depraved.
Reprobance is usually formal, literary, theological, archaic in register.
Reprobance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛprəbəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛprəˌbæns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this archaic word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REPROBATE is a person rejected by God; REPROBANCE is the state of being that person.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL STANDING IS DIRECTION (reprobance is a state of being spiritually 'cast out' or 'fallen').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'reprobance' be MOST appropriately used today?