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Reprehensibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reprehensibly

[ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnsəbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a negative way

In a way that deserves strong criticism or disapproval.

Synonyms

deplorably, disgracefully, shamefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprehensibly

Used to describe actions that are morally wrong or deserving of strong criticism. It often implies a strong disapproval.

  • The politician acted reprehensibly by accepting bribes.
  • The company's treatment of its employees was reprehensibly unfair.
deplorably

Describes something that is shockingly bad or worthy of condemnation. Often used to express a moral or ethical judgment.

  • The city's homeless situation has been handled deplorably by the local government.
  • He behaved deplorably towards his friends, ignoring their needs.
disgracefully

Implies conduct that is shameful and deserving of public shame or scandal. Often used when actions bring dishonor.

  • The athlete was banned from the sport for acting disgracefully during the match.
  • The manager's disgracefully rude comments were criticized by everyone.
shamefully

Used to describe actions that are worthy of shame or bring shame upon someone. It usually implies the person should feel guilty.

  • The student behaved shamefully by cheating during the exam.
  • She spoke shamefully about her colleagues without any reason.

Examples of usage

  • He acted reprehensibly by betraying his friend's trust.
  • She was behaving reprehensibly by spreading false rumors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Morality

  • Actions deemed reprehensible often relate to ethical violations, reflecting society's standards of right and wrong.
  • Cultural differences affect what actions are considered reprehensible, demonstrating the subjectivity of morality.
  • In legal contexts, reprehensible behavior can influence sentencing outcomes, leading to harsher penalties.

Pop Culture

  • The word is frequently used in literature and film to describe villainous characters or egregious acts.
  • In music and art, themes of reprehensible actions often provoke thought about human nature and consequences.
  • Social media campaigns often call out reprehensible behavior, showcasing collective outrage and societal standards.

Psychology

  • People may react more strongly to reprehensible acts due to the emotional impact of perceived injustice.
  • Studies suggest that individuals have varying thresholds for what they consider reprehensible, influenced by upbringing and social norms.
  • Psychological research often explores the motivations behind actions labeled as reprehensible, such as greed or anger.

Legal Context

  • In law, actions that are reprehensible can lead to punitive damages in civil cases, emphasizing accountability.
  • Judges often consider the reprehensibility of a defendant's actions when determining legal consequences.
  • The concept plays a crucial role in criminal law, as certain behaviors may be labeled as morally reprehensible by society.

Origin of 'reprehensibly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'reprehensibilis,' meaning 'to be held back' or 'to blame.'
  • It combines 'reprehendere' (to seize again, or blame) and the suffix '-ble,' indicating capability.
  • In English, the term has retained its negative connotation since it first appeared in the 15th century.

The word 'reprehensibly' is derived from the word 'reprehensible' which comes from the Late Latin 'reprehensibilis', from the verb 'reprehendere' meaning 'to blame, rebuke'. The term has been in use since the 17th century.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,605, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.