reproof
Americannoun
-
the act of reproving, censuring, or rebuking.
- Synonyms:
- remonstrance, reproach, rebuke
-
an expression of censure or rebuke.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of reproof
1300–50; Middle English reprof < Old French reprove, derivative of reprover to reprove
Explanation
A reproof is a negative comment, reprimand, or rebuke. Even the nicest kindergarten teacher in the world will give his students a reproof if they won't stop laughing and running around the classroom. An athlete's bad behavior on or off the field might result in a reproof by his coach. and a long-distance bus driver will offer at least a mild reproof if a passenger is continuously talking loudly into her cell phone. Kids with strict parents receive more reproofs than those who have fewer rules to follow. Reproof comes from the Late Latin reprobāre, which means "disapprove, reject, or condemn."
Vocabulary lists containing reproof
The Call of the Wild
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Their Eyes Were Watching God
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Grade 11, List 6
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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.
In his twin satires, "Advice" and "Reproof," you see rather the will to wound than the power to strike.
From Poetical Works of Johnson, Parnell, Gray, and Smollett With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes by Gilfillan, George
Reproof on her lips, but a smile in her eye.
From Handy Dictionary of Poetical Quotations by Various
Reproof from our beloved is sweeter than praise from an enemy.
From The Art of Disappearing by Smith, John Talbot
Reproof and punishment greatly differ from cursing and malediction.
From Epistle Sermons, Vol. II Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost by Lenker, John Nicholas
I received no Reproof," she says, "to-day when I most Richly deserved it.
From A Christmas Accident and Other Stories by Trumbull, Annie Eliot
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.
