Reproof

/rɪˈpruːf/
noun

An expression of disapproval or criticism.

His constant failures drew a strong reproof from his father.
Visual representation of "reproof" - An expression of disapproval or criticism

Often appears as...

  • express reproof
  • severe reproof

Usage tips

Disapproving

noun

Formal criticism given by a person of authority.

The manager's reproof for chronic tardiness made him reconsider his habits.
Visual representation of "reproof" - Formal criticism given by a person of authority

Often appears as...

  • official reproof
  • formal reproof

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Academic

noun

An expression of disapproval or criticism.

His constant failures drew a strong reproof from his father.
Visual representation of "reproof" - An expression of disapproval or criticism

Often appears as...

  • express reproof
  • severe reproof

Usage tips

Disapproving

noun

Formal criticism given by a person of authority.

The manager's reproof for chronic tardiness made him reconsider his habits.
Visual representation of "reproof" - Formal criticism given by a person of authority

Often appears as...

  • official reproof
  • formal reproof

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "reproof"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

Reproof can evoke feelings of guilt or resolve to improve behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Shelby accepted her mother's reproof with a heavy heart.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expressing Disappointment

Use reproof to show you're let down by someone's actions, not just angry.

Illustration for Expressing Disappointment
His mentor's reproof was more about disappointment than anger.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Verbal

Reproof can be non-verbal, like a stern look or shaking of the head.

Illustration for Not Always Verbal
Her father gave her a reproof with a pointed glance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

Reproof can evoke feelings of guilt or resolve to improve behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Shelby accepted her mother's reproof with a heavy heart.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expressing Disappointment

Use reproof to show you're let down by someone's actions, not just angry.

Illustration for Expressing Disappointment
His mentor's reproof was more about disappointment than anger.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Verbal

Reproof can be non-verbal, like a stern look or shaking of the head.

Illustration for Not Always Verbal
Her father gave her a reproof with a pointed glance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

Reproof can evoke feelings of guilt or resolve to improve behavior.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Shelby accepted her mother's reproof with a heavy heart.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Expressing Disappointment

Use reproof to show you're let down by someone's actions, not just angry.

Illustration for Expressing Disappointment
His mentor's reproof was more about disappointment than anger.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Verbal

Reproof can be non-verbal, like a stern look or shaking of the head.

Illustration for Not Always Verbal
Her father gave her a reproof with a pointed glance.
Visual representation of the word "Reproof"

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Quote examples

Jack Cade

English Activist

They say that it were great reproof to the king to take again what he has given, so that they will not suffer him to have his own good, nor land, nor forfeiture, nor any other good but they ask it from him, or else they take bribes of others to get it for him.
Portrait of Jack Cade

Quote examples

John Woolman

American Clergyman

The Lord had been very gracious, and spoke peace to me in the time of my distress, and I now most ungratefully turned again to folly; at times I felt sharp reproof, but I did not get low enough to cry for help.
Portrait of John Woolman

Quote examples

Erich von Stroheim

Austrian Actor

Since that first showing of Foolish Wives I have seemed to walk through vast crowds of people, their white American faces turned towards me in stern reproof.
Portrait of Erich von Stroheim

Quote examples

Walter Savage Landor

English Poet

An ingenuous mind feels in unmerited praise the bitterest reproof.
Portrait of Walter Savage Landor

Quote examples

Samuel Lover

Irish Artist

Reproof on her lip, but a smile in her eye.
Portrait of Samuel Lover

Quote examples

Jack Cade

English Activist

They say that it were great reproof to the king to take again what he has given, so that they will not suffer him to have his own good, nor land, nor forfeiture, nor any other good but they ask it from him, or else they take bribes of others to get it for him.
Portrait of Jack Cade

Quote examples

John Woolman

American Clergyman

The Lord had been very gracious, and spoke peace to me in the time of my distress, and I now most ungratefully turned again to folly; at times I felt sharp reproof, but I did not get low enough to cry for help.
Portrait of John Woolman

Quote examples

Erich von Stroheim

Austrian Actor

Since that first showing of Foolish Wives I have seemed to walk through vast crowds of people, their white American faces turned towards me in stern reproof.
Portrait of Erich von Stroheim

Quote examples

Walter Savage Landor

English Poet

An ingenuous mind feels in unmerited praise the bitterest reproof.
Portrait of Walter Savage Landor

Quote examples

Samuel Lover

Irish Artist

Reproof on her lip, but a smile in her eye.
Portrait of Samuel Lover
Example 1 of 5
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