adjective
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full of or expressing reproach
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archaic deserving of reproach; disgraceful
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of reproachful
Explanation
Someone who's reproachful is deeply disapproving. A reproachful look on your mom's face is a sign that you've disappointed her and might be in trouble. When you criticize your friend's decision to borrow her parents' car without asking, you probably sound reproachful. You might not even need to speak — a reproachful glance is sometimes enough to communicate your disapproval. When you reproach someone, you express disappointment in them, and to be reproachful is to be "full of reproach." The root word is the Old French reproche, "blame, shame, or disgrace."
Vocabulary lists containing reproachful
Power Suffix: -ful
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"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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Catching Fire
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reproachful reminiscences of Coleridge and Theosophy were natural too; then fond regrets for Literature and its glories: if you act your romance, how can you also write it?
From Life of John Sterling by Carlyle, Thomas
Reproachful tears stood in her eyes; she fastened her dress with indignant fingers.
From The Iron Woman by Deland, Margaret Wade Campbell
Reproachful eyes were turned on Curly, but he went on.
From Heart's Desire by Hough, Emerson
Reproachful, yet pitying, as the eyes of Buddha are your eyes, my Sergius!
From Temporal Power by Corelli, Marie
Reproachful spectres crowded the air, animated and vocal, not in the articulate language of mortals but assailing him with faint sobs, deep sighs, and fateful gestures.
From The Rescue A Romance of the Shallows by Conrad, Joseph
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
