Reprover: meaning, definitions and examples
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reprover
[ rɪˈpruːvər ]
person who reprimands
A reprover is a person who reprimands or criticizes someone for their actions or behavior. This term often implies a sense of correction or moral oversight, suggesting that the reprover believes the person being corrected should have acted differently. It is commonly used in contexts involving authority figures or individuals who hold a position of moral or social responsibility.
Synonyms
censurer, critic, rebuker, scold
Examples of usage
- The teacher acted as a reprover when she caught the students cheating.
- He took on the role of a reprover during the meeting, addressing the team's mistakes.
- As a parent, she often felt like a reprover, guiding her children towards better choices.
Etymology
The word 'reprover' originates from the Latin root 'reprobare,' which means 'to prove again' or 'to reject.' In the Middle Ages, it evolved in Old French to 'reprover,' maintaining the connotation of a critique or correction. The suffix 'er' denotes the agent performing the action, thus forming 'reprover' as a term for someone who criticizes others. Over time, it settled into its current English form, denoting a person who expresses disapproval of someone's conduct, especially in a moral or ethical context. The usage of 'reprover' highlights the relationship between authority and accountability, illustrating the social dynamics of critique.