Reprove: meaning, definitions and examples

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reprove

 

[rษชหˆpruหv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

formal

To reprimand or censure someone for a wrongdoing; to express disapproval or criticism towards someone.

Synonyms

chastise, criticize, rebuke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprove

Used to gently correct someone or express mild disapproval, often in a constructive manner.

  • The teacher reproved the student for being late to class.
  • She reproved her friend for not attending the meeting.
rebuke

Used to express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior or actions. Generally stronger than 'reprove' and often carries a negative connotation.

  • The coach rebuked the player for not following the game plan.
  • He was rebuked by his superior for the mistake in the report.
chastise

Used to severely criticize or reprimand someone, often in an authoritative manner. Can carry a negative connotation.

  • The manager chastised the employee for missing the deadline.
  • Parents sometimes chastise their children for bad behavior.
criticize

Used to express disapproval of someone or something, pointing out faults or issues. Can be either constructive or negative depending on context.

  • The movie critic criticized the film for its weak plot.
  • She criticized the government's policy in her speech.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher reproved the student for being late to class.
  • She reproved him for his careless attitude towards his work.
Context #2 | Verb

literary

To reject, refute, or disprove a statement or argument.

Synonyms

contradict, disprove, refute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reprove

Most suitable when gently expressing disapproval or correction, often used in more formal or old-fashioned settings.

  • The teacher reproved the student for talking during the lecture.
  • She reproved him for his untidy attire.
refute

Used when proving that a statement or theory is wrong or false, often through detailed argument or evidence, typically used in formal contexts like debates or legal cases.

  • The lawyer refuted the accusations with solid evidence.
  • He refuted the hypothesis in his research paper.
disprove

Appropriate when providing evidence that shows something is false or incorrect, commonly used in scientific or formal contexts.

  • The scientist was able to disprove the outdated theory.
  • They could not disprove his alibi.
contradict

Used when stating that someone else's statement or opinion is wrong or incorrect, often used in discussions or arguments.

  • He contradicted her claim about the meeting.
  • The evidence contradicts his version of the events.

Examples of usage

  • He reproved the theory with compelling evidence.
  • She reproved his accusations with a counter argument.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'reprove' comes from the Latin 'reprobare', meaning 'to reject' or 'to disapprove'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century, reflecting a blend of earlier influences from French and Latin.
  • The prefix 're-' suggests looking back, while 'prove' relates to the idea of proving or demonstrating fault.

Literature

  • In various classic literature, characters often reproved others as a way to impart wisdom or correction, showcasing the moral expectations of society.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's plays frequently feature moments of reproving, often leading to character development and plot progression.
  • It appears in many fables where the intention of reproving is to teach a lesson, reflecting cultural values.

Psychology

  • Reproving can serve as a mechanism for social learning, helping individuals understand acceptable behaviors within a community.
  • The impact of reproving on self-esteem varies; it can either help someone improve or potentially lead to feelings of shame.
  • Feedback that includes reproving can be constructive if delivered positively, promoting personal growth.

Cultural Insights

  • Different cultures have varying attitudes towards reproving; some may view it as constructive, while others may see it as a challenge to authority.
  • In collectivist societies, reproving often ties to group harmony, aiming to protect values and beliefs.
  • Social media has changed how reproving occurs, often leading to public discourse and debates over personal conduct.

Education

  • In educational settings, reproving is a common response to misbehavior, intended to redirect students toward appropriate actions.
  • Teachers often balance reproving with positive reinforcement to maintain a supportive learning environment.
  • The goal of reproving in education is typically not punishment, but rather guidance for future behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "reprove" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น reprovar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเค‚เคฆเคพ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช tadeln

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mencela

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพััƒะดะถัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ potฤ™piaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ž้›ฃใ™ใ‚‹ (hinansuru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉprouver

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ reprender

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kฤฑnamak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋น„๋‚œํ•˜๋‹ค (binanhada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุณุชุจุนุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pokรกrat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pokarhaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดฃๅค‡ (zรฉbรจi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ grajati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รกvรญta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‹ะฝ ะฐะนั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ™แƒ แƒ˜แƒขแƒ˜แƒ™แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mษ™zm etmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ reprender

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,386, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.