self-reproachful

She looked self-reproachful after forgetting her friend's birthday.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Feeling or expressing blame directed at oneself: "self-reproachful" describes a state of being filled with self-criticism, regret, or guilt for something one has done or failed to do.

Usage Examples

• (She blamed herself for the oversight.)
• (His face revealed internal blame and remorse.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be self-reproachful about something": to experience self-blame regarding a specific action or event.

  • He was self-reproachful about his failure to help his colleague. (He felt guilty and criticized himself for not offering assistance.)

• "a self-reproachful tone": a manner of speaking that conveys regret or self-criticism.

  • She spoke in a self-reproachful tone, admitting her mistake. (Her voice carried a sense of personal blame.)

Variants and Related Words

• Self-reproach (n): the act of blaming oneself; guilt or regret.

  • His self-reproach was evident in his downcast eyes. (His internal blame was visible.)

• Self-reproachfully (adv): in a manner that expresses blame toward oneself.

  • He looked self-reproachfully at the broken vase. (He gazed with regret and self-blame.)

• Reproachful (adj): expressing blame or disapproval (toward others, not necessarily oneself).

  • Her reproachful glance made him feel ashamed. (Her look conveyed disapproval.)

Synonyms

• Guilt-ridden: filled with a sense of guilt.
• Remorseful: feeling deep regret for a wrong action.
• Self-critical: tending to criticize oneself harshly.
• Contrite: feeling or showing sorrow for wrongdoing.

Related Idioms

• To reproach oneself: to blame or criticize oneself.

  • She reproached herself for not speaking up sooner. (She blamed herself internally.)

• To feel reproachful toward oneself: to experience self-blame.

  • He felt reproachful toward himself for the accident. (He directed blame inward.)