reprove
gb/ɹˈɛpɹˌoʊv/ us/ɹˈɛpɹˌoʊv/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C1
action
1
scold or reprimand someone
To tell someone they did something wrong.
Usage pattern:
reprove [someone] (for [something]/for [doing something])
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*.
Synonyms
rebuke (Similar but often sharper and more direct.)
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reprimand (Often used for official or workplace discipline.)
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admonish (Slightly more about warning and advising than scolding.)
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scold (More common and informal; often used with children.)
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censure (More formal; often public criticism, especially by an organization.)
Antonyms
praise (Expresses approval rather than disapproval.)
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commend (Formally expresses approval or admiration.)
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approve (Shows acceptance instead of criticism.)
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
Themes
communication
|emotions
|education
|workplace
Examples
- The teacher reproved him for talking during the test.
- She was reproved by her manager for missing the deadline.
- He reproved his friend for making a cruel joke.
Learner examples
- My father reproved me for coming home late.
- The coach reproved the team for not listening.
Verb
formal
C1
action
2
correct someone’s behavior morally
To correct someone because you think they are wrong.
Usage pattern:
reprove [someone] (for [something]/for [doing something])
Common mistake:
Learners may expect a very angry tone; in this sense, reprove can be calm and corrective rather than harsh.
Synonyms
correct (More neutral; focuses on fixing behavior or errors.)
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chide (Milder, often affectionate criticism.)
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remonstrate (Formal; to argue or protest against someone’s behavior.)
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admonish (Often includes advice and a warning about consequences.)
Antonyms
condone (Accepts or allows the behavior instead of correcting it.)
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excuse (Treats the behavior as understandable rather than wrong.)
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
Themes
ethics
|relationships
|religion
|communication
Examples
- She reproved him for speaking harshly to the waiter.
- The letter reproved the company for putting profits ahead of safety.
- He reproved himself for losing his temper so quickly.
Learner examples
- I reproved him for being unfair.
- She reproved herself for the mistake.
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.