What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reproachfully
Example
She looked at him reproachfully when he forgot their anniversary. [reproachfully: adverb]
Example
He spoke reproachfully to his son after he caught him lying. [reproachfully: adverb]
disapprovingly
Example
She shook her head disapprovingly when she saw him smoking. [disapprovingly: adverb]
Example
He looked at her disapprovingly when she started talking loudly on her phone. [disapprovingly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disapprovingly is more commonly used than reproachfully in everyday language. Disapprovingly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while reproachfully is less common and is often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reproachfully and disapprovingly?
Both reproachfully and disapprovingly can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, reproachfully may be considered more formal due to its less common usage and stronger emotional connotation.
