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.
And after that he sang the address which is called “The Reproof of the Bards.”
From The Mabinogion Vol. 3 by Edwards, Owen Morgan, Sir
Reproof and argument followed on this, till at last he yielded, with the words: "Where are you going?"
From The High Heart by King, Basil
He first attempted poetry, and wrote two dull satires "Advice" and "Reproof."
From History of English Humour, Vol. 2 by L'Estrange, Alfred Guy Kingan
O sir, to such as boasting show their scars, Reproof is due: she loved and was beloved; That's all I must impart.
From The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 06 by Scott, Walter, Sir
Reproof and punishment must be administered with discretion and judgment, and without passion; for the officer who loses his temper and flies into a tantrum has failed to obtain his first triumph in discipline.
From Manual of Military Training Second, Revised Edition by Moss, James A. (James Alfred)
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.
