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disapproving

disapproving

5 3.4
Showing that you do not agree with or like something
  • adjective
  • /ˌdɪsəˈpruːvɪŋ/
translation icon : desaprobador
  • Seamus gave me a disapproving glance that conveyed an expectation for a swift and sincere apology.
  • more disapproving
  • negative and disapproving

And some cultures were just outright disapproving of the term hero.

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Examples

  • The students of more punitive and disapproving teachers are less apt to comply with their demands.

    Academic text (1994)
  • You get that wounded, disapproving look on your face.

  • I mean, you are so disapproving of me.

  • Her friend made a disapproving noise, then said, "Better not."

    Academic text (2008)
  • I noticed you sort of gave me a disapproving look at dinner.

  • Oh no, Debbie is disapproving of me.

  • "Do you mind?" Mary shoots him a disapproving look.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Jean's own mouth had been pressed into a thin, disapproving line.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • "Maybe she doesn't mean it," he said, to which the secretary responded with a disapproving look.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • My mom was just up in that window, giving me a disapproving look.

Synonyms

unfavorable
vsdisapproving
  • US
31 4.5

Not good for success or approval

is about showing dislike rather than describing an unhelpful effect
scornful
vsdisapproving
7 5.1

Showing that you think someone does not deserve respect

is simple dislike without intense contempt or disdain
reproachful
vsdisapproving
2 6.5

Showing disapproval in voice or look

is general dislike without direct blaming intent
disparaging
vsdisapproving
  • Offensive
1 7.0

Showing a low opinion of someone or something

is simple dislike that does not always insult or show disrespect
reproving
vsdisapproving
7.4

Showing that someone is not happy and trying to correct them

is dislike without a clear intention to correct behavior
condemning
vsdisapproving
4.9

Showing that you think something is wrong

is milder dislike without declaring things unacceptable
deprecative
vsdisapproving
7.6

Showing you do not like or value something

is direct criticism rather than reducing perceived value

Antonyms

1.3

Showing that you like and accept someone or something

Compounds

3.6

An online reaction emoji that shows disapproval or disagreement

A look with eyebrows pulled together and lips pressed to show disapproval

How Disapproving

critical
210 3.8
disapproving
5 3.4
unsupportive
4 5.0

Surface Forms

disapproving positive
disapprovinger comparative
disapprovingest superlative

Morphology

disapproving = disapprove (transparent) = dis + approve + ing

The adjective is a regular participial formation from the verb 'disapprove' and directly means 'showing disapproval'.

Etymology

Disapproving begins with dis- meaning 'not' and the main part approve meaning 'to accept' or 'agree'. So a disapproving look or voice is like saying 'no' with your face or words, showing you do not accept or like something.