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reproveto criticize someone, usually gently, because they have done something wrong

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to criticize someone, usually gently, because they have done something wrong

Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈpruːv/

Example Sentences

  • My mom reproved me for eating ice cream for breakfast, but honestly, it's basically frozen milk!
  • The boss reproved the employee for being late to the important meeting.
  • She reproved her cat with a stern voice, but the cat just stared back with zero regret.

reprove

VERB

[/rɪˈpruːv/]

to criticize someone, usually gently, because they have done something wrong

The teacher gently reproved the boy for scribbling on his desk.
💡 Concept

The teacher gently reproved the boy for scribbling on his desk.

Re-prove yourself after gentle criticism!
🧠 Mnemonic

Re-prove yourself after gentle criticism!

I reprove to help you improve, then I'll approve
🎵 Rhyme

I reprove to help you improve, then I'll approve

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/rɪˈpruːv/
🇬🇧 UK/rɪˈpruːv/

🌳Etymology

Prefixre--
Rootprove

Origin

From Middle French reprover, derived from Old French reprover meaning 'to blame or rebuke.' The word comes from Latin reprobare, combining re- (back) and probare (to assent or approve), literally meaning 'to disapprove.'

Breakdown

re- (back/again) + prove (from Latin probare, to assent) = reprove (to express disapproval or mild criticism)

🎵Rhyme

approveimproveremovegroove
approve
improve
remove
groove

🔗Collocations

reprove someone for
gently reprove
reprove bad behavior
reprove with a look
reprove harshly

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My mom reproved me for eating ice cream for breakfast, but honestly, it's basically frozen milk!

The boss reproved the employee for being late to the important meeting.

😄 Fun example

She reproved her cat with a stern voice, but the cat just stared back with zero regret.

The judge reproved the lawyer for inappropriate behavior in court.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

rebukescoldcriticizechideadmonish

Antonyms

praisecommendapprove

Related

disapprovereproachreprimandcorrection

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