reproach
gb/ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/ us/ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
B2
English
~ 3800
szemrehányást tesz, szemrehányás, szégyen, valaminek a szégyene, szégyenfolt
VERB
B2
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
to reproach [someone] for [doing something]
She reproached him for forgetting her birthday.
Szemrehányást tett neki, amiért elfelejtette a születésnapját.
The teacher reproached the student for not doing his homework.
A tanár szemrehányást tett a diáknak, amiért nem készítette el a házi feladatát.
He reproached himself for not speaking up sooner.
They reproached the company for neglecting safety standards.
Learner examples
My boss reproached me for being late.
A főnököm szemrehányást tett nekem, amiért elkéstem.
She reproached her friend for lying.
Szemrehányást tett a barátjának, amiért hazudott.
He reproached himself for making a mistake.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'reproach' with 'approach'. They have very different meanings.
Meaning
Express disapproval or disappointment
Collocations
reproach someone for
|bitterly reproach
|gently reproach
|reproach oneself for
Synonyms
rebuke (Stronger and more formal than 'reproach', often implying a sharp criticism.)
|
scold ('Scold' is less formal and more often used for telling off children.)
Antonyms
praise (Expressing approval or admiration instead of disapproval.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Definition
To say you are unhappy with what someone did.
To speak to someone in a way that shows disapproval or disappointment about their actions.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
2
szemrehányás
B2
There was a hint of reproach in her voice.
Némi szemrehányás csendült ki a hangjából.
He gave her a look of reproach.
Szemrehányó pillantást vetett rá.
The decision drew widespread reproach from the public.
Learner examples
She spoke with reproach in her voice.
Szemrehányással a hangjában beszélt.
His words were full of reproach.
A szavai tele voltak szemrehányással.
They gave him a look of reproach.
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly use 'reproaches' in plural when talking about general disapproval, but it is often uncountable.
Meaning
Expression of disapproval or disappointment
Collocations
a look of reproach
|without reproach
|full of reproach
|draw reproach
Synonyms
criticism ('Criticism' is broader and may be constructive, while 'reproach' implies personal disappointment.)
Antonyms
commendation (An expression of praise or approval.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Definition
Words or actions that show you are not happy with someone.
A statement, action, or attitude that expresses disapproval or disappointment toward someone.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
The poor condition of the building is a reproach to the city council.
Az épület rossz állapota a városi önkormányzat szégyene.
His behavior was a reproach to his family name.
A viselkedése szégyent hozott a családja nevére.
Learner examples
The dirty park is a reproach to the town.
A piszkos park a város szégyene.
His bad work was a reproach to the school.
A gyenge munkája szégyent hozott az iskolára.
Meaning
Cause of shame or disgrace
Collocations
a reproach to
|stand as a reproach
Synonyms
disgrace ('Disgrace' is stronger and more absolute in its condemnation.)
Antonyms
credit (Something that brings honor instead of shame.)
Themes
emotions
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something that makes people feel bad about someone or something because it is not good enough.
A person or thing that brings shame, disgrace, or discredit to someone or something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reproach
IPA
GB/ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
US/ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
Syllables & stress
re - proach (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (proach)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: reproach
- Plural: reproach, reproaches
Verb
- Base: reproach
- 3rd Person Singular: reproaches
- Present Participle: reproaching
- Past: reproached
Word family
Forms
reproaches
noun
reproaching
verb
reproached
verb
Core family
reproachful
adjective
Related words
reproachfully
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
irreproachable
adjective
irreproachably
adverb
Advanced or less common
reproachable
adjective
Expressions
above reproach
1/əbˈʌv ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Impossible to criticize or fault
So good that no one can say it is wrong or bad.
Examples
- Her honesty is above reproach.
- The company's safety record is above reproach.
without reproach
1/wɪðˈaʊt ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Not deserving criticism or blame
Not having done anything wrong or bad.
Examples
- He handled the situation without reproach.
- She lived a life without reproach.