reproachful
/ri'proutʃful/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Expressing blame, criticism, or disapproval: The word "reproachful" describes a look, tone, voice, or manner that shows you blame or disapprove of someone's actions or behavior. It conveys a sense of disappointment and censure.
- Serving as a corrective reprimand: It can describe an expression or remark intended to correct someone by making them feel ashamed of their fault.
Usage
"Reproachful" is used to describe the way someone communicates disapproval without necessarily using words. It is often applied to non-verbal cues. - It typically modifies nouns like look, glance, stare, expression, tone, voice, silence, or manner. - Example Structure: "a/an [reproachful] + [noun]" (e.g., a reproachful look).
Examples
- Adjective:
- She gave him a reproachful look when he arrived late. (Her look expressed blame for his lateness.)
- His voice was quiet but reproachful. (His tone of voice conveyed criticism.)
- The teacher's reproachful silence made the students feel guilty for their noise.
Advanced Usage
- "to be reproachful": to have a manner or expression that shows blame.
- Her entire demeanor was reproachful after she discovered the broken vase.
- "in a reproachful tone/manner": speaking or acting in a way that expresses disapproval.
- "You promised," she said in a reproachful tone.
Variants and Related Words
- Reproach (n/v): The root word. As a noun, it means blame or criticism. As a verb, it means to express disapproval or disappointment to someone.
- He listened to her reproaches in silence. (n)
- She reproached him for his forgetfulness. (v)
- Reproachfully (adv): In a reproachful manner.
- He looked at her reproachfully.
- Reproving (adj): Similar to "reproachful," meaning expressing disapproval or criticism.
- a reproving glance
Synonyms
- Disapproving: showing that you think someone or something is bad or wrong.
- Censorious: severely critical of others.
- Accusatory: suggesting that you think someone has done something wrong.
- Chiding: scolding or rebuking.
Antonyms
- Approving: showing that you have a positive opinion of someone or something.
- Complimentary: expressing praise or admiration.
- Forgiving: willing to forgive.
Idioms and Phrases
- A look that could kill: This idiom is sometimes used hyperbolically to describe an extremely angry or reproachful look. While not containing the word "reproachful," it describes a similar intense, disapproving expression.
- She shot him a look that could kill when he interrupted her presentation.
Adjective
-
expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective
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