reprove
UK/ri'pru:v/US
GREB2
Definitions
v.
To criticize or rebuke someone, especially gently or for moral reasons
（尤指温和地或出于道义地）责备，指责
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back, against) + prove (test) = to test someone against a standard and judge them short — that is, to rebuke. Unlike disprove (which targets a claim), reprove targets a person's conduct, usually with a tone of mild moral correction.
Root prob still carries 14 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.gently reprove温和地责备
- 2.sternly reprove严厉地批评
- 3.[reprove someone for something]因某事责备某人
- 4.reprove a child责备孩子
Example Sentences
- 1.
The teacher reproved him for talking during the exam.
- 2.
She reproved the children gently for their rudeness.
Easily Confused
reprove vs disprove — they look alike but aim at different targets. reprove rebukes a person (reprove a child for lying). disprove refutes a claim (disprove a theory). You reprove who did wrong; you disprove what is false.