reproachful

USAGE SUMMARY

"reproachful" is an acceptable and commonly used word in written English.
It is an adjective that means deserving of or expressing severe criticism or disapproval. Example Sentence: He gave her a reproachful glance as she walked away.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Italians struggle to emerge from their longest economic recession since 1945, bitterly reproachful of the stagnation over which he presided in the years that preceded it, Berlusconi strikes an increasingly irrelevant and absurd figure, even to those who once voted for him.

The Guardian - Opinion

A potent, reproachful absence.

The Guardian - Sport

A sensor in its head can distinguish between an amiable pat and a reproachful slap.

The Economist

Jack is redeemed by an apocalyptic vision that answers the reproachful questions he imagined Mother asking God at the beginning, when her second child died.

The Economist

"Silence has killed us," read the reproachful sign held by an Islamist activist at a recent rally in Cairo that was busted by tear gas and police gunfire.

The Economist

According to Freud, this resolution can occur if the boy finally suppresses his sexual desire for the mother, entering a period of so-called latency, and internalizes the reproachful prohibition of the father, making it his own with the construction of that part of the psyche Freud called the superego or the conscience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not that Brian is notably reproachful, merely that the earnestness of his tone hints  at the existence of a vast, mythological world fashioned around his infancy, prowled by relatives whose only concern seems to have been to mock and belittle, with himself, alone and fretful, at its core.

Independent

He was still in deeply reproachful mood about the organisation which purports to run (and expand) the game.

Independent

"As I have been working on maths, there are all sorts of things I have seen along the way, like the mothers who say, 'I was never any good at maths and that's why my Pamela isn't.' When I challenge them, I just get reproachful looks".

Independent

Was her gaze, as she did her dopey trick, pained and reproachful?

The New Yorker

The usually ambrosial smell of tractor fuel repelled him, and the towering green shape above him now seemed reproachful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reproachful" to describe actions, expressions, or tones that convey disapproval or mild criticism. It's effective when you want to show someone feels blamed or looked down upon without resorting to harsh language.

Common error

Avoid using "reproachful" when a stronger term like "condemnatory" or "accusatory" is more appropriate. "Reproachful" suggests a milder form of disapproval and using it in situations that warrant stronger language can dilute your message.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "reproachful" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing a quality of expressing disapproval or blame. It indicates that someone or something conveys a sense of criticism. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reproachful" is a versatile adjective used to convey mild disapproval or blame. As Ludwig AI states, it is considered grammatically correct and commonly used. Its frequency and usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian affirm its acceptability in both formal and informal contexts. While "reproachful" is effective for expressing criticism, it is important to consider the intensity of the message and choose an alternative like "disapproving" or "critical" if a stronger term is warranted. When aiming to convey mild blame with a touch of disappointment, "reproachful" is a strong choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disapproving

Directly expresses a negative opinion or sentiment.

reproving

Suggests mild disapproval or correction.

critical

Focuses on expressing judgment and analysis, often negative.

upbraiding

Expresses strong disapproval or criticism.

rebuking

Indicates sharp disapproval or scolding.

admonitory

Implies gentle but firm warning or reproof.

condemnatory

Emphasizes strong disapproval and moral judgment.

censorious

Highlights a tendency to find fault and condemn.

chiding

Implies gentle scolding or nagging.

exprobratory

Characterized by expressing disapproval or rebuke.

FAQs

How can I use "reproachful" in a sentence?

You can use "reproachful" to describe a look, tone, or action that expresses disapproval. For example, "She gave him a "reproachful glance" after he arrived late".

What are some alternatives to "reproachful"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "disapproving", "critical", or "admonitory".

What's the difference between "reproachful" and "accusatory"?

"Reproachful" implies a milder form of disapproval or blame, while "accusatory" suggests a direct charge of wrongdoing. "Accusatory" is more assertive and confrontational than "reproachful".

Is "reproachfully" the adverb form of "reproachful"?

Yes, "reproachfully" is the adverb form. You can use it to describe how something is done in a reproachful manner. For instance, "She spoke "reproachfully" about his behavior".