reprobate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Theological, occasionally Humorous/Playful
Quick answer
What does “reprobate” mean?
A person who behaves in a morally corrupt, wicked, or unprincipled way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who behaves in a morally corrupt, wicked, or unprincipled way; someone who is depraved.
In theological contexts, a person rejected by God and condemned to eternal damnation. The term can also function as a verb meaning to condemn or disapprove of strongly, or as an adjective describing a morally unprincipled character.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The noun form is more common than the verb in both. The verb is rare and extremely formal.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in a playful, less condemnatory way in informal British contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. More likely to be encountered in historical or religious texts, or as a deliberate, stylised choice.
Grammar
How to Use “reprobate” in a Sentence
He was widely regarded as a reprobate.She reprobated their dishonest practices.They lived a reprobate life.the doctrine of the reprobateVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reprobate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council unanimously reprobated the proposed policy of exclusion.
- His actions were reprobated by the entire community.
American English
- The committee's report strongly reprobated the waste of public funds.
- Such cruelty is reprobated by all civilized societies.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
- Not applicable.
American English
- No standard adverbial form in use.
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- His reprobate brother squandered the entire family fortune at the racetrack.
- They were drawn into his reprobate lifestyle.
American English
- The film's protagonist is a charming but reprobate gambler.
- He was cast out for his reprobate conduct.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in strong criticism of unethical conduct: 'He was a financial reprobate, embezzling funds without remorse.'
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy, and historical studies to discuss morality and condemnation, especially Calvinist doctrine.
Everyday
Rare. If used, often in a humorous or exaggerated way: 'Come in, you old reprobate, and have a cup of tea.'
Technical
Specific theological term denoting a person predestined to damnation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reprobate”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reprobate”
- Mispronouncing it as 're-pro-bate' (with a long 'o').
- Using it as a common insult instead of a formal/literary term.
- Confusing the verb form ('reprobate an action') with the noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but ironically. Phrases like 'a loveable old reprobate' are used to describe someone whose misbehaviour is seen as harmless or part of their roguish charm, softening the term's harsh moral judgement.
No, it is extremely rare and formal. More common verbs with similar meaning are 'condemn', 'censure', or 'denounce'.
All reprobates are sinners, but not all sinners are considered reprobates. 'Reprobate' implies a deeply ingrained, habitual, and unrepentant state of immorality or rejection of moral principles, often suggesting corruption of character.
Etymologically, yes. Both come from Latin 'probare' (to test, to prove). 'Reprobate' comes from 'reprobatus' meaning 'disapproved, rejected' (after being tested). 'Probation' is a period of testing. They are antonyms in origin.
A person who behaves in a morally corrupt, wicked, or unprincipled way.
Reprobate is usually formal, literary, theological, occasionally humorous/playful in register.
Reprobate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛprə(ʊ)beɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛprəˌbeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A reprobate mind (biblical/theological idiom)”
- “A charming reprobate”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REjected PROfessionally for his BEhaviour' (re-pro-be(ha)te) – a person rejected for bad behaviour.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS A STATE OF REJECTION / CORRUPTION IS A DISEASE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'reprobate' most specifically and technically used?