reprobation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “reprobation” mean?
Strong disapproval or condemnation of someone or something, especially on moral grounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Strong disapproval or condemnation of someone or something, especially on moral grounds.
The act of censuring, denouncing, or rejecting; the state of being condemned or rejected, particularly in a theological context as being excluded from divine grace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British formal/theological writing, but very rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong moral/religious condemnation in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech in both regions; primarily found in formal, legal, or religious texts.
Grammar
How to Use “reprobation” in a Sentence
reprobation of [noun phrase]reprobation from [source]reprobation for [action/quality]subject to reprobationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reprobation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council formally reprobated the member's conduct.
- His actions were reprobated in the strongest terms.
American English
- The committee voted to reprobate the proposal.
- Such behaviour is universally reprobated.
adverb
British English
- She looked at him reprobatingly. (Extremely rare, derived form)
- The judge spoke reprobatingly of the crime.
American English
- He shook his head reprobatingly. (Extremely rare)
- The editorial was written reprobatingly.
adjective
British English
- The reprobate sinner faced eternal consequences. (Note: 'reprobate' is the adjective, not 'reprobation')
- He was cast out as a reprobate individual.
American English
- According to the doctrine, the reprobate soul was doomed.
- His reprobate lifestyle was widely known.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in extremely formal corporate ethics statements.
Academic
Used in theology, philosophy, ethics, and historical texts discussing social morals.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or overly formal.
Technical
Specific theological term in Calvinist doctrine referring to God's eternal decree to punish the non-elect.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reprobation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reprobation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reprobation”
- Confusing with 'reprobate' (the person condemned). Mispronouncing as /riːˈproʊbeɪʃən/. Using it in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word used primarily in theological, philosophical, or legal contexts. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Reprobation is much stronger and more formal. It implies severe, moral condemnation, often public and final. Disapproval is a much more general and weaker term.
The noun 'reprobation' comes from the verb 'reprobate', which means to condemn or disapprove of strongly. However, the verb 'reprobate' is even rarer than the noun.
In Christian theology, particularly Calvinism, reprobation is the divine decree by which God supposedly predestines some souls to eternal punishment, as opposed to election for salvation.
Strong disapproval or condemnation of someone or something, especially on moral grounds.
Reprobation is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Reprobation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛprəˈbeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛprəˈbeɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “beyond reprobation”
- “a chorus of reprobation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REJECTion + PROBation. Someone on moral probation who is REJECTED faces REPROBATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL JUDGMENT IS A LEGAL SENTENCE; DISAPPROVAL IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (facing a wave of reprobation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'reprobation' MOST likely to be found?