reproval: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “reproval” mean?
The act of expressing disapproval or criticism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of expressing disapproval or criticism.
A formal or severe expression of censure, often implying moral judgment and a call for correction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is notably more frequent in British English, especially in formal or literary contexts. American English more commonly uses 'reprimand', 'rebuke', or 'criticism'.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formal, often stern, disapproval. In British usage, it may carry a slightly more old-fashioned or literary nuance.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher relative frequency in British English. Classified as a 'rare' word in modern corpora for American English.
Grammar
How to Use “reproval” in a Sentence
reproval for [noun phrase/v-ing]reproval from [person/authority]reproval of [action/behaviour]meet with reprovalincur reprovalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reproval” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster reproved the pupils for their uniform violations.
- She was gently reproved for speaking out of turn.
American English
- The committee chair reproved the member for the ethical breach.
- His behaviour was sternly reproved by his superiors.
adverb
British English
- He shook his head reprovingly as the children ran past.
- She spoke reprovingly of the decline in standards.
American English
- The judge looked reprovingly at the defendant during the testimony.
- He mentioned the oversight reprovingly in his review.
adjective
British English
- He gave her a reproving glance across the dinner table.
- The report took a reproving tone towards the government's inaction.
American English
- She fixed him with a reproving look that silenced him immediately.
- The editorial was reproving of the mayor's conduct.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal HR contexts: 'The manager's actions warranted a formal letter of reproval.'
Academic
Found in literary analysis, historical texts, and ethics papers discussing social sanction.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual speech. Replaced by 'telling off', 'criticism', or 'disapproval'.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specific legal or ecclesiastical disciplinary contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reproval”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reproval”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reproval”
- Using it as a countable noun (*'He gave three reprovals') – it is primarily uncountable.
- Misspelling as 'reprovement' or 'reprovement'.
- Using it in an informal context where 'criticism' or 'telling off' would be natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'reproval' is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday language, people use 'criticism', 'telling off', 'reprimand', or 'disapproval' instead.
They are very close synonyms. 'Reproval' is slightly more common as the abstract noun for the act. 'Reproof' can sometimes refer to a specific instance or utterance of criticism and is also somewhat archaic/formal.
No, by definition, 'reproval' is an expression of disapproval or censure, so it carries a negative connotation.
Yes, the verb is 'reprove'. Example: 'The teacher reproved the student for cheating.'
The act of expressing disapproval or criticism.
Reproval is usually formal in register.
Reproval: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpruːv(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpruvəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a look/frown of reproval”
- “the sting of reproval”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REPROVAL' is the formal RESULT of 'reproving' someone. It contains 'prove' – you are proving their behaviour was wrong.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISAPPROVAL IS A PHYSICAL FORCE/BLOW ('a sharp reproval', 'the sting of reproval'), MORAL AUTHORITY IS A HEIGHT ('looked down on with reproval').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'reproval' used most appropriately?