reprove
gb/ɹˈɛpɹˌoʊv/ us/ɹˈɛpɹˌoʊv/
C1
English
megró, megfedd
VERB
C1
FORMAL
1
megró
C1
Usage pattern:
reprove [someone] (for [something]/for [doing something])
The teacher reproved him for talking during the test.
A tanár megrótta, amiért beszélgetett a dolgozat közben.
She was reproved by her manager for missing the deadline.
A főnöke megrótta a határidő elmulasztása miatt.
He reproved his friend for making a cruel joke.
Learner examples
My father reproved me for coming home late.
Apám megrótt, amiért későn értem haza.
The coach reproved the team for not listening.
Az edző megrótta a csapatot, amiért nem figyeltek.
Common mistake:
Often confused with reprove vs reproach: reprove emphasizes correcting or reprimanding; reproach emphasizes blaming and disappointment. Also, reprove is typically followed by a direct object (reprove someone), not *reprove about*.
Meaning
scold or reprimand someone
Collocations
sternly reprove
|gently reprove
|publicly reprove
|quietly reprove
|reprove a child
|reprove an employee
|reprove a student
|reprove someone for lateness
|reprove someone for lying
|reprove someone for being rude
Synonyms
rebuke (Similar but often sharper and more direct.)
|
reprimand (Often used for official or workplace discipline.)
|
admonish (Slightly more about warning and advising than scolding.)
|
scold (More common and informal; often used with children.)
|
censure (More formal; often public criticism, especially by an organization.)
Antonyms
praise (Expresses approval rather than disapproval.)
|
commend (Formally expresses approval or admiration.)
|
approve (Shows acceptance instead of criticism.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|education
|workplace
Definition
To tell someone they did something wrong.
To speak to someone in an angry or disapproving way because they have done something wrong, especially in a serious or formal manner.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
2
megfedd
C1
Usage pattern:
reprove [someone] (for [something]/for [doing something])
She reproved him for speaking harshly to the waiter.
Megfeddte, amiért durván beszélt a pincérrel.
The letter reproved the company for putting profits ahead of safety.
A levélben megfeddték a vállalatot azért, mert a profitot a biztonság elé helyezte.
He reproved himself for losing his temper so quickly.
Learner examples
I reproved him for being unfair.
Megfeddtem, amiért igazságtalan volt.
She reproved herself for the mistake.
Megfeddte magát a hiba miatt.
Common mistake:
Learners may expect a very angry tone; in this sense, reprove can be calm and corrective rather than harsh.
Meaning
correct someone’s behavior morally
Collocations
reprove someone’s conduct
|reprove someone’s language
|reprove someone for dishonesty
|reprove someone for cruelty
|reprove someone for selfishness
|reprove wrongdoing
|reprove bad behavior
|reprove someone’s attitude
Synonyms
correct (More neutral; focuses on fixing behavior or errors.)
|
chide (Milder, often affectionate criticism.)
|
remonstrate (Formal; to argue or protest against someone’s behavior.)
|
admonish (Often includes advice and a warning about consequences.)
Antonyms
condone (Accepts or allows the behavior instead of correcting it.)
|
excuse (Treats the behavior as understandable rather than wrong.)
Themes
ethics
|relationships
|religion
|communication
Definition
To correct someone because you think they are wrong.
To criticize or correct someone’s behavior or attitudes in order to guide them toward what you believe is right, often in a thoughtful or restrained way.
Grammar
Dictionary form
reprove
IPA
GB/ɹˈɛpɹˌoʊv/
US/ɹˈɛpɹˌoʊv/
Syllables & stress
re - prove (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (re)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: reprove
- 3rd Person Singular: reproves
- Present Participle: reproving
- Past: reproved
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.