Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a manner that shows disapproval or lack of agreement: Expressing criticism, dislike, or a negative judgment about someone or something.

Usage

The adverb "disapprovingly" is used to describe how an action is performed, specifically when that action conveys disapproval. It typically modifies verbs related to looking, speaking, or gesturing.

Examples

• Modifying a verb of looking or observing:
  • She looked at the messy room disapprovingly.
  • The teacher glanced disapprovingly at the students who were talking.
• Modifying a verb of speaking or sound:
  • "That's not appropriate," he said disapprovingly.
  • He clicked his tongue disapprovingly.
• Modifying a verb of physical action/gesture:
  • The judge shook his head disapprovingly at the defendant's excuse.
  • My father frowned disapprovingly when I suggested dropping out of school.

Advanced Usage

• "to eye someone/something disapprovingly": To look at someone or something with clear disapproval.
  • The old man eyed the teenagers' loud music disapprovingly.
• Used in reported speech or thought: To indicate the critical tone behind words or thoughts.
  • She thought disapprovingly of their extravagant spending habits.

Variants and Related Words

• Disapprove (verb): To have or express an unfavorable opinion.
  • I disapprove of his methods.
• Disapproval (noun): The act or state of disapproving.
  • She made her disapproval very clear.
• Disapproving (adjective): Expressing or showing disapproval.
  • He gave me a disapproving look.

Synonyms

• Critically: In a manner involving judgment of merits and faults, often emphasizing faults.
• Censoriously: In a severely critical manner.
• With disapproval: A more literal phrase with similar meaning.

Antonyms

• Approvingly: In a manner showing approval or agreement.
• Favorably: In a positive or approving way.

Adverb

1. showing disapproval
   • he shook his head disapprovingly