reprove

[ri-proov]

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.

Origin of reprove

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

Related formsre·prov·er, nounre·prov·ing·ly, adverb

Can be confusedre-prove reprove

Synonyms for reprove

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

Antonyms for reprove

1. praise.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for reprovingly

Historical Examples of reprovingly

"I think that Harry has the floor," said his uncle, reprovingly.
Harper's Young People, June 15, 1880
Various
“Little boys should be seen, not heard,” said his elder brother, reprovingly.
The Boy Settlers
Noah Brooks
"Maybe you'd have the dacency to leave that for his Honour," said Molly, reprovingly.
Luttrell Of Arran
Charles James Lever
The Baroness snatched a fan which girdled her, and tapped him with it reprovingly.
Despair's Last Journey
David Christie Murray
"I always said your pride would be your bane," says Cecil, reprovingly.
Molly Bawn
Margaret Wolfe Hamilton

British Dictionary definitions for reprovingly

reprove

verb

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

Derived Formsreprovable, 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

Word Origin and History for reprovingly

reprove

c.1300, from Old French reprover "accuse, blame" (12c.), from Late Latin reprobare "disapprove, reject, condemn" (see reprobate). Related: Reproved; reproving.