What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reproach
Example
She reproached him for not completing the project on time. [reproached: verb]
Example
He felt a sense of reproach for his behavior at the party. [reproach: noun]
criticize
Example
The teacher criticized the student's essay for its lack of clarity. [criticized: verb]
Example
She received a lot of criticism for her decision to quit her job. [criticism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Criticize is more commonly used than reproach in everyday language. Criticize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while reproach is less common and may be considered more formal or old-fashioned.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between reproach and criticize?
While reproach is typically associated with a formal or old-fashioned tone, criticize is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
