English vocabulary · C1
Reprove
/rɪˈpruːv/ · v.
It means to gently correct someone for doing wrong. This happens when you calmly point out a mistake.
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Example sentences
- The teacher reproved the student for arriving late.
- She reproved a friend for the rude joke.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- re — back (from Latin)
- prove — approve (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SCOLD — criticize angrily (A Sharper, Louder Tone)
- REBUKE — sharp, formal criticism (A Formal Sharp Warning)
- CRITICIZE — point out faults (The General, Everyday Word)
Words with the same root
prove — approve
- approve — say something is good
- disprove — show something is false
- probe — examine closely
Lesson notes
It means to gently correct someone for doing wrong. This happens when you calmly point out a mistake.
Related: scold, rebuke, criticize. Use reprove when correction should stay gentle.
The teacher reproved the student for arriving late. She reproved a friend for the rude joke.
From Latin. Re means back. Prove means approve. Pulling back approval, that is reprove.