What does reproof mean?
Word: Reproof
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Reproof means words or a look that show you disapprove of what someone has done. It is a formal word for a mild telling-off.
Synonyms: reprimand, criticism
How do you spell reproof?
Syllables: re - proof
Tricky part: The vowel in the second syllable is a long 'oo', and it is written with a double o. Students sometimes write reprouf or reprofe.
Watch out for: reprouf, riproof
Memory tip: A reproof points out a fault, and fault begins with f: let the f sound at the end stay an f.
Reproof in a sentence
Example 1: The librarian's look of reproof was enough to quieten the noisy group.
Example 2: Ananya accepted her coach's reproof without complaint and practised her serve again.
Example 3: There was a hint of reproof in Dad's voice when he saw the muddy shoes on the sofa.
Fun Fact
Reproof and reprove come from the same Old French word; English keeps the f for the noun and the v for the verb, just as it does with belief and believe.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
repproof
a) f
b) o
c) p
d) e
Show answer
c) p. Like proof and prove, this word keeps a single p.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters to find the word that fits the sentence:
The teacher's gentle fpreroo made Sameer put his phone away at once.
a) rooftop
b) proposal
c) profile
d) reproof
Show answer
d) reproof. The jumble has two o's, an f and no t, l or s, which leaves reproof.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word reproof as used in the sentence:
The new monitor received a mild reproof for forgetting to switch off the fans.
a) praise
b) reward
c) rebuke
d) greeting
Show answer
c) rebuke. The monitor was told off for forgetting, and a rebuke is exactly that.
Spell-o-Spell
Three words in the list are spelt correctly and one is misspelt. Choose the meaning of the misspelt word.
1. remedy 2. reluctent 3. rehearsal 4. reproof
a) a way of putting a problem right
b) a remark that shows you disapprove of what someone did
c) a practice of a play or concert before the real show
d) not willing to do something
Show answer
d) not willing to do something. Reluctant ends in -ant; reproof, rehearsal and remedy are spelt correctly.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which remark is a reproof?
a) You should not have shouted at your sister.
b) Your train leaves at six this evening.
c) Shall we go to the park after lunch?
d) What a lovely drawing you have made!
Show answer
a) You should not have shouted at your sister.
2. A reproof usually comes from someone who ____.
a) has noticed you breaking a rule
b) wants to thank you for a gift
c) has never met you before
d) is telling you a funny story
Show answer
a) has noticed you breaking a rule
