Reproach Meaning
/ɹɪˈpɹəʊtʃ/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.
nounDisgrace or shame.
Sentence Examples
Tom's conduct was beyond reproach.
He has something to reproach you about.
Don't reproach him; he has mental health problems.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The coach did not ____ the player for missing the shot, but instead cheered him on.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She looked at him with an expression of quiet ____ that made him feel more ashamed than any words could.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English reprochen, from Old French reprochier (Modern French reprocher).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my science by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before."
— 1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 4, in Frankenstein, archived from the original on 30 Oct 2011:
"if ye be reproached for the name of Christ"
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Peter 4:14:
"this new commer, Shame,
There sit not, and reproach us as unclean."
— 1667, John Milton, “Book VIII”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
"Mezentius […] with his ardour warmed / His fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight, / Repelled the victors."
— 1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
"I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, / For that he knew you, might reproach your life."
— c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The coach did not ____ the player for missing the shot, but instead cheered him on.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She looked at him with an expression of quiet ____ that made him feel more ashamed than any words could.