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reproachfully

reproachfully

1 6.6
In a way that shows blame or unhappiness
  • adverb
  • /rɪˈproʊtʃfəlɪ/
translation icon : reprochosamente
  • The doctor would shake his head reproachfully.
  • looked reproachfully
  • said reproachfully
  • shook his head reproachfully

Examples

  • The others looked reproachfully at us when we left, then they again bent quietly over their brown rice.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • Out front, he stands motionless on the sidewalk, looking reproachfully toward her apartment.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Then it stopped, looking reproachfully back over its shoulder at the priest.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • "You have been very slow in coming," the servant went on reproachfully.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The dog returned, standing in front of him, gazing at him reproachfully.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • His big blue eyes stared out at them reproachfully.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • "Don't call me that, please." Fannie looked at her reproachfully and then went on.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Dolly, Michael, and Benj looked at her reproachfully.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Nifkin howled and scrambled onto the armchair, glaring at me reproachfully.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • "Why didn't you wake me up at once?" She looked reproachfully at Lehzen.

Synonyms

disapprovingly
vsreproachfully
3 3.9

In a way that shows you do not agree with or like something

adds a personal note of disappointment rather than just general disapproval
scathingly
vsreproachfully
1 7.9

Saying something in a very harsh and critical way

expresses disappointment rather than harsh severe condemnation toward actions
reprovingly
vsreproachfully
1 7.4

In a way that shows you are not pleased with someone

is more about feeling disappointed than singling out actions
chidingly
vsreproachfully
1 7.6

In a gentle, slightly scolding way

expresses disappointment or firmer disapproval rather than a gentle scold
deprecatively
vsreproachfully
8.0

In a way that shows disapproval or criticism

tends to show personal disappointment rather than formal objection
rebukingly
vsreproachfully
8.1

In a way that shows you are not pleased with someone

is more about showing disappointment than issuing a direct rebuke
deprecatingly
vsreproachfully
8.2

To act or speak in a way that shows you do not like something

expresses disappointment rather than judging worth or value
scoldingly
vsreproachfully
6.4

To say things in an angry way to show you are unhappy with someone

expresses disappointment rather than angry verbal criticism in speech
condemningly
vsreproachfully
7.4

In a way that shows strong disapproval

leans more toward disappointment and not as forceful in judgment
acrimoniously
vsreproachfully
8.1

In a bitter, angry way during a disagreement

shows disappointed feeling rather than bitter angry harshness toward others

Antonyms

7 3.4

In a way that shows approval

How Disapproving

scornfully
4 6.0
harshly
49 3.5
reproachfully
1 6.6
critically
106 4.4

Surface Forms

reproachfully positive
reproachfullyer comparative
reproachfullyest superlative

Morphology

reproachfully = reproachful (transparent) = reproach + ful + ly

The adverb is formed regularly from the adjective 'reproachful' with -ly, so the meaning is straightforward for learners who know the base adjective.

Etymology

Reproachfully comes from the word reproach ('blame' or 'express disapproval') plus the ending -ful ('full of') and -ly (which makes an adverb). So, to act reproachfully is to behave in a way that is 'full of blame' or shows disapproval.