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.

Nearby words

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.

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

Can be confusedre-prove reprove

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples 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 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.