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reprove

[ ri-proov ]
/ rɪˈpruv /
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See synonyms for: reprove / re-proved / re-proves / re-proving on Thesaurus.com
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

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English reproven, from Old French reprover, from Late Latin reprobāre, equivalent to re-re- + probāre “to test,” (see prove)

synonym study for reprove

1. See reproach.

OTHER WORDS FROM reprove

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH reprove

re-prove, reprove

Other definitions for reprove (2 of 2)

re-prove
[ ree-proov ]
/ riˈpruv /
verb (used with or without object), re-proved, re-proved or re-prov·en, re-prov·ing.
to prove again.

Origin of re-prove

First recorded in 1520–30; re- + prove

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH re-prove

re-prove , reprove
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to reprove

admonish, berate, castigate, censure, chide, condemn, lambaste, lecture, reprimand, reproach, scold, upbraid, bawl out, chew out, lay into, read the riot act, take to task

How to use reprove in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for reprove

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
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