reprovingly

/ri'pru:viɳli/

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Word: Reprovingly

Part of Speech: Adverb

Basic Definition: "Reprovingly" describes the manner in which someone speaks or acts when they are showing disapproval or criticism towards someone else's actions. It means to express disappointment or to scold in a gentle or corrective way.

Usage Instructions

• Use "reprovingly" when you want to describe how someone says something that indicates they think the other person has done something wrong or needs to change their behavior.

Example Sentence

• "When he forgot his homework again, his teacher looked at him reprovingly and reminded him of the importance of being prepared."

Advanced Usage

• In literature or formal writing, "reprovingly" can be used to add depth to a character's dialogue, showing not just disapproval, but also concern or care for the other person’s well-being.

Word Variants

• Reprove (verb): To criticize or correct someone, often in a gentle way.
  • Example: "She reproved her son for not doing his chores."
• Reproach (noun/verb): A feeling of disappointment or criticism.
  • Example (noun): "His reproach was evident in the way he looked at her."
  • Example (verb): "He reproached her for being late."

Different Meanings

"Reprovingly" specifically relates to expressing disapproval. It does not have other meanings but is closely tied to the idea of correction and guidance.

Synonyms

• Critically
• Disapprovingly
• Scoldingly
• Censuringly
• Condemnatorily

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "reprovingly," you might encounter phrases like: - "Shake your head reprovingly," which means to shake your head in disapproval. - "Give someone a talking-to," which means to scold someone, similar to speaking reprovingly.

Summary

"Reprovingly" is a helpful adverb to express a gentle or critical disapproval in conversations.

Academic

Adverb

1. in a reproving or reproachful manner
   • she spoke to him reprovingly

Synonyms

• reproachfully