reproach
gb/ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/ us/ɹipɹˈoʊt͡ʃ/
B2
English
~ 3800
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
B2
action
1
Express disapproval or disappointment
To say you are unhappy with what someone did.
Usage pattern:
to reproach [someone] for [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'reproach' with 'approach'. They have very different meanings.
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.)
Collocations
reproach someone for
|bitterly reproach
|gently reproach
|reproach oneself for
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- She reproached him for forgetting her birthday.
- The teacher reproached the student for not doing his homework.
- 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.
- She reproached her friend for lying.
- He reproached himself for making a mistake.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
2
Expression of disapproval or disappointment
Words or actions that show you are not happy with someone.
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly use 'reproaches' in plural when talking about general disapproval, but it is often uncountable.
Synonyms
criticism ('Criticism' is broader and may be constructive, while 'reproach' implies personal disappointment.)
Antonyms
commendation (An expression of praise or approval.)
Collocations
a look of reproach
|without reproach
|full of reproach
|draw reproach
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- There was a hint of reproach in her voice.
- He gave her a look of reproach.
- The decision drew widespread reproach from the public.
Learner examples
- She spoke with reproach in her voice.
- His words were full of reproach.
- They gave him a look of reproach.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
3
Cause of shame or disgrace
Something that makes people feel bad about someone or something because it is not good enough.
Synonyms
disgrace ('Disgrace' is stronger and more absolute in its condemnation.)
Antonyms
credit (Something that brings honor instead of shame.)
Collocations
a reproach to
|stand as a reproach
Themes
emotions
|social
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The poor condition of the building is a reproach to the city council.
- His behavior was a reproach to his family name.
Learner examples
- The dirty park is a reproach to the town.
- His bad work was a reproach to the school.
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.