reproach

/ri'proutʃ/

Thân thiện

He felt a deep sense of reproach after forgetting his friend's birthday.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A mild rebuke or criticism: An expression of disapproval or disappointment, often for a fault or mistake.
   • Disgrace or shame: A state of discredit or dishonor brought upon oneself or others.

2. Verb:

   • To express criticism or disappointment towards someone: To address someone with blame or censure for a perceived fault or failing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Her voice was full of gentle reproach. (Her tone conveyed mild criticism.)
  • The scandal was a reproach to the entire organization. (The scandal brought disgrace upon the whole organization.)

• Verb:

  • She reproached him for forgetting their anniversary. (She criticized him for forgetting their anniversary.)
  • He reproached himself for his lack of courage. (He blamed himself for his lack of courage.)

Advanced Usage

• "Above reproach" / "Beyond reproach": Blameless, perfect, so good that no criticism is possible.
  • Her professional conduct was beyond reproach. (Her work behavior was impeccable and faultless.)
• "A reproach to": Something that brings shame or discredit to a person or group.
  • The dilapidated building stood as a reproach to the city's neglect. (The rundown building was a shameful symbol of the city's neglect.)

Variants and Related Words

• Reproachful (adj): Expressing criticism or blame.
  • She gave him a reproachful look. (She looked at him in a way that showed disapproval.)
• Reproachable (adj): Deserving of blame or criticism.
  • His actions were reproachable. (His actions were blameworthy.)
• Self-reproach (n): The act of blaming or criticizing oneself.
  • He was filled with self-reproach after the argument. (He was full of blame directed at himself after the argument.)

Synonyms

• Noun: Rebuke, reprimand, censure, blame, disgrace, shame.
• Verb: Chide, admonish, upbraid, berate, censure, blame.

Related Phrases

• "A term of reproach": A word or phrase used to express criticism or scorn.
  • In some contexts, that word is used as a term of reproach. (In some situations, that word is used as an insult or criticism.)

Idioms

• "To be a reproach to someone/something": To be a source of shame or discredit.
  • The failure of the project was a reproach to the team's reputation. (The project's failure damaged the team's good name.)

Học thuật

Noun

1. disgrace or shame
   • he brought reproach upon his family
2. a mild rebuke or criticism
   • words of reproach

Verb

1. express criticism towards
   • The president reproached the general for his irresponsible behavior

Từ đồng nghĩa

• upbraid