Word
reproach
Phoneticsre·proach, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈpɹoʊtʃ/
UK/ɹɪpɹˈəʊtʃ/
Definition
n. a feeling of being upset or angry with someone because they did something wrong. It can also be a look or a word that shows you are disappointed in someone.
n. a feeling of resentment or anger toward someone for a perceived fault or failure. Often used to describe a look or expression that conveys disapproval.
Examples
“She looked at him with a look of reproach.”
“The manager's stern silence was a clear sign of reproach after the team missed their monthly targets.”
“The poet's work is filled with a quiet reproach against the indifference of the city, where the poor are often ignored by the wealthy.”
Examples
simple
“She looked at him with a look of reproach.”
contextual
“The manager's stern silence was a clear sign of reproach after the team missed their monthly targets.”
complex
“The poet's work is filled with a quiet reproach against the indifference of the city, where the poor are often ignored by the wealthy.”
Real-World Examples
“She did it with relish, only to reproach herself later.” “Gebru tweeted a cryptic reproach of “censorship and intimidation” against AI ethics researchers.” Etymology
From Middle English reprochen, from Old French reprochier (Modern French reprocher).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/reproach