reprove: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “reprove” mean?
To express disapproval, criticism, or correction of someone's behavior or actions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To express disapproval, criticism, or correction of someone's behavior or actions.
To rebuke or censure, typically in a formal, mild, or constructive manner. Often implies a moral or ethical standard has been breached and carries a tone of disappointment rather than anger.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and frequency are broadly similar. The word is rare in casual speech in both varieties, preserved more in formal writing, religious contexts, and literary works.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries a formal, slightly old-fashioned, or solemn tone. In British English, may be associated slightly more with clerical or upper-class authority. In American English, it may be heard more in religious or legalistic contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday conversation for both. Slightly higher occurrence in British literary and journalistic prose.
Grammar
How to Use “reprove” in a Sentence
reprove [sb]reprove [sb] for [sth/doing]reprove [sb] with [a look/word]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reprove” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster reproved the pupils for their lack of diligence.
- She was gently reproved by her mentor for speaking out of turn.
- His conscience reproved him for the harsh words.
American English
- The judge reproved the attorney for unprofessional conduct.
- He reproved his son for cheating on the test.
- The pastor's sermon reproved the congregation for its indifference.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal reports or ethics reviews: 'The board felt compelled to reprove the manager for the breach of protocol.'
Academic
Found in historical, theological, or literary analysis: 'The poet uses the chorus to reprove the protagonist's hubris.'
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual speech. Would sound formal or archaic.
Technical
Not typical in technical fields. Possible in canonical religious texts or ethical philosophy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reprove”
- Confusing 'reprove' with 'disprove' or 'improve'. Using it in an informal context where 'tell off' or 'scold' is more appropriate. Incorrect pattern: 'reprove someone their behavior' (correct: 'reprove someone *for* their behavior').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. In everyday speech, people are more likely to use 'tell off', 'scold', 'criticize', or 'rebuke'.
Both mean to criticize formally. 'Reprimand' is often stronger, more official, and may come with concrete consequences (e.g., from an employer). 'Reprove' can be milder and more focused on moral correction; it can also be done non-verbally (e.g., with a look).
Typically, it is used for people's actions or behavior. One might say 'reprove an action' or 'reprove behavior', but the target of the disapproval is still a person. It is not used for inanimate objects.
The noun is 'reproof' (pronounced /rɪˈpruːf/). Example: 'She received a stern reproof from her superior.'
To express disapproval, criticism, or correction of someone's behavior or actions.
Reprove is usually formal, literary in register.
Reprove: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpruːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpruv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A word to the wise is enough (implied reproof)”
- “More in sorrow than in anger (a tone of reproof)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE PROVE' – as if to prove someone wrong again by pointing out their fault.'
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS STRAIGHTNESS / DEVIATION IS A WRONG TURN (to reprove is to point someone back to the straight path).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'reprove' LEAST likely to be used?