Reproval

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An expression of criticism or discontent often serves as a formal judgement regarding someone's behavior or choices in various contexts
2. A gesture or remark that indicates dissatisfaction can be perceived as a moral condemnation of another's actions or decisions
3. A formal expression of disapproval often conveys a sense of criticism regarding an individual's actions or decisions in different situations

Etymology: "Reproval" is a plain English formation: the verb "reprove" with the suffix "-al" added. "Reprove" came into English from Old French "reprover," which in turn traces back to Latin "reprobare," meaning to disapprove of or reject, built from "re-" (back, again) and "probare" (to test, approve). The verb thus carries the sense of testing something and finding it wanting. The suffix "-al" comes via Old French "-el" and Latin "-alis," meaning "relating to," and it entered English as "-al" in Middle English. It turns verbs of action into nouns for the act or its result, so "reproval" is the act of reproving, or the expression that results from it. The noun is therefore a direct product of combining an existing English verb with a common suffix, rather than a separate borrowing from Latin.

Synonyms: disapproval, rebuke, censure, criticism, condemnation

Antonyms: approval, praise, commendation, endorsement, support