to reprove

Examples

• All

• "I was going to fix the garden today," he said, his tone mildly reproving, as if she should have remembered that.

  Fiction book (2002)

• "Thy metaphor is inexact, Sarabian of Tamuli," she said in a slightly reproving tone.

  Fiction book (1993)

• "Nancy wanted to say, oh, Daddy, reprove and reassure him.

  Fiction book (1993)

• "You of all people should know better than to use that word," reproved Tkaa.

  Fiction book (1994)

• "I shouldn't have discussed this with you." Then he turned a sharply reproving look on her.

  Fiction book (1994)

• "It's not nice to leave people out," Mr. Shevvington reproved Christina.

  Fiction book (1990)

• Olse glanced at Giyt as he arrived and gave him a small, reproving shake of the head.

  Fiction book (1997)

• Behold, happy is the man whom God reproves; therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty.

  Academic text (1998)

• At dinner in the McIver home that evening, Inspector (Retired) Seamus McIver reproved his bachelor son over a fragrant platter.

  Fiction book (1997)

• The teacher gently reproved the student for not raising his hand before speaking.

Synonyms

C

to criticize

vsto reprove

701 3.3

To say what is wrong with someone or something

is more focused on gentle correction than general fault finding

C

to condemn

vsto reprove

298 4.0

To strongly criticize someone or something publicly

is milder and seeks correction rather than harsh condemnation

R

to reprimand

vsto reprove

• Formal

33 6.1

To tell someone they did something wrong, usually by a person in charge

is less formal and more conversational in correcting behavior

A

to admonish

vsto reprove

31 6.8

To tell someone firmly to change or improve their behavior

is similarly corrective but usually less firm and more gentle

C

to censure

vsto reprove

• Formal

26 7.7

To express strong disapproval of someone, often in an official statement

is less official and more personal, aiming to guide change

R

to rebuke

vsto reprove

• Formal

26 6.9

To tell someone firmly that you do not approve of their actions

is milder, aiming to correct rather than to punish or shame

R

to reproach

vsto reprove

8 6.5

To tell someone you are disappointed in what they did

is gentler and focuses on correction rather than strong blame

D

to deprecate

vsto reprove

• Formal

1 7.6

Criticize someone or something, often in public

is usually private and constructive rather than public criticism

R

to remonstrate

vsto reprove

• Formal

1 8.5

To speak strongly to show you disagree

is quieter and more about offering constructive feedback than protest

R

to reprehend

vsto reprove

• Formal

1 9.4

Tell someone firmly that their actions are wrong

is less forceful and more aimed at gentle improvement

D

to discountenance

vsto reprove

• Formal

9.9

To show that you do not approve and try to stop something

focuses more on gentle advice for improvement than discouragement

R

to reprobate

vsto reprove

• Literature

9.4

To say strongly that someone or something is wrong

is intended as a gentle, constructive expression rather than condemnation

Antonyms

A

to approve

∞ 1.6

To officially agree to something or think that it is good

E

to endorse

183 4.2

To publicly show support for a person or idea

How Disapproving

to condemn

298 4.0

rebuke

22 6.8

to reprimand

• Formal

33 6.1

to reprove

5 7.3

to criticize

701 3.3

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology