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Reprobate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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reprobate

[หˆrษ›prษ™หŒbeษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in moral or religious context

A reprobate is a person who is morally corrupt or unprincipled. They are often seen as beyond hope of redemption.

Synonyms

degenerate, miscreant, villain.

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Word Description / Examples
reprobate

Used to describe a person who behaves in a morally wrong way, often in a playful or mildly disapproving manner. It can have a slightly humorous connotation.

  • He's such a reprobate, always getting into trouble but never meaning any real harm.
  • Despite his roguish ways, people couldn't help but like the old reprobate.
degenerate

Describes someone who has fallen from a higher standard of behavior or morality, often suggesting a decline over time. It typically has a negative connotation.

  • The once-pious man had turned into a degenerate, wasting away his days in squalor.
  • The novel depicts a society in decline, where even the leaders are degenerates.
miscreant

Refers to someone who behaves badly or breaks the law, often used in a formal or old-fashioned context. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • The police finally caught the miscreant responsible for the vandalism.
  • In the tale, the miscreant is punished for his heinous deeds.
villain

Typically used to describe the bad character in a story, someone who opposes the hero. It has a clear negative connotation and is often used in fictional contexts.

  • The villain in the movie was a mastermind with a plan to rule the world.
  • In every fairy tale, there is always a villain whose actions create conflict.

Examples of usage

  • He was known in the community as a reprobate, constantly causing trouble and breaking the law.
  • Despite numerous attempts at rehabilitation, he continued to live as a reprobate, showing no remorse for his actions.
Context #2 | Verb

archaic or formal

To reprobate means to strongly disapprove of or condemn something.

Synonyms

censure, condemn, denounce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprobate

Use this word to describe a person who behaves in a morally wrong way, often repeatedly. It carries a strong negative connotation and is somewhat old-fashioned.

  • The old man was a reprobate, known for his gambling and drinking habits.
  • Despite his charm, everyone knew he was a reprobate with little regard for decency.
condemn

This term is used to express complete disapproval, typically on moral grounds. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when expressing an ethical or legal judgment.

  • The community condemned the vandalism of the historic monument.
  • Leaders around the world condemned the terrorist attack.
censure

This word is often used in formal or official settings to express strong disapproval or criticism. It is suitable for professional and governmental contexts where an official reprimand is given.

  • The senator faced censure from his colleagues for his controversial remarks.
  • The school board decided to censure the teacher for improper behavior in the classroom.
denounce

This word is used when you want to publicly declare someone or something to be wrong or evil. It often involves a strong moral judgment and is common in political or social issues.

  • The activist took to the stage to denounce the governmentโ€™s policies on climate change.
  • She decided to denounce her former allies for their corruption.

Examples of usage

  • The committee voted to reprobate the proposed changes to the policy.
  • She was quick to reprobate any behavior that went against her strict moral code.

Translations

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

Origin of 'reprobate'

The word 'reprobate' has its origins in late Middle English, from the Latin 'reprobatus', past participle of 'reprobare', meaning 'disapprove'. Over time, it evolved to encompass both a noun describing a morally corrupt individual and a verb meaning to condemn. The concept of being beyond redemption is central to the usage of 'reprobate'.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,786, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.