reprove

[ ri-proov ]

/ rɪˈpruv /

verb (used with object), re·proved, re·prov·ing.

to criticize or correct, especially gently: to reprove a pupil for making a mistake.

to disapprove of strongly; censure: to reprove a bad decision.

Obsolete. to disprove or refute.

verb (used without object), re·proved, re·prov·ing.

to speak in reproof; administer a reproof.

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Origin of reprove

1275–1325; Middle English reproven < Old French reprover < Late Latin reprobāre, equivalent to re- re- + probāre to test, prove

SYNONYMS FOR reprove

1 scold, reprimand, upbraid, chide, reprehend, admonish. See reproach.

ANTONYMS FOR reprove

1 praise.

OTHER WORDS FROM reprove

re·prov·er, nounre·prov·ing·ly, adverb

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH reprove

re-prove reprove

Words nearby reprove

reprographics, reprography, reproof, reprovable, reproval, reprove, rept, rept., reptant, reptile, reptiles

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for reprovingly

Yet she drew her hand away and forced herself to say, as if reprovingly: "You mustn't do that!"
Through the Wall|Cleveland Moffett
“Which would have been more becoming if you had done it at the first,” said Father Anselm, reprovingly.
The Dragon of Wantley|Owen Wister
The mother, who had seen nothing of all this, stooped and spoke to him reprovingly.
The Christmas Angel|Abbie Farwell Brown
"He is very deep, if you mean that," said Mrs. Goldsworthy, reprovingly.
Dorothy and other Italian Stories|Constance Fenimore Woolson

“It was quite impossible, Rebecca,” said Beatrice reprovingly.
The New Mistress|George Manville Fenn

British Dictionary definitions for reprovingly

reprove

/ (rɪˈpruːv) /

verb

(tr) to speak disapprovingly to (a person); rebuke or scold

Derived forms of reprove

reprovable, adjectivereprover, nounreproving, adjectivereprovingly, adverb

Word Origin for reprove

C14: from Old French reprover, from Late Latin reprobāre, from Latin re- + probāre to examine, approve 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012