reprobate
REP-ruh-bayt
/ˈreprəbeɪt/
An unprincipled or depraved person; morally corrupt.
While historically a serious theological term for someone damned, in modern usage, 'reprobate' is often used in a slightly humorous or affectionate way to describe a rogue or scoundrel.
The story behind the word. Reprobate comes from the Latin 'reprobatus', which means 'disapproved' or 'rejected'. It is formed from 're-' (expressing reversal) and 'probare' (to test or prove). In theology, it was used to describe those rejected by God and excluded from salvation.
Word relationships
- scoundrel: Scoundrel is a general term for a dishonest person, while reprobate carries a stronger connotation of moral corruption and rejection of spiritual principles.
- saint: A saint is a person acknowledged as holy or virtuous, representing the pinnacle of moral goodness.
Commonly confused with
- rogue: A rogue is a mischievous or dishonest person, often viewed with some affection, while reprobate historically implies a deeper, unredeemable moral corruption.
Word family
- reprobation (noun): Severe disapproval or condemnation.
Collocations
- old reprobate
- hardened reprobate
- reprobate behavior
- reprobate lifestyle
Example sentences
- "Despite being a self-proclaimed reprobate who spent his youth in bars, my uncle eventually turned his life around." A humorous description of an eccentric relative
- "He was a hardened reprobate, utterly devoid of moral principles or remorse." A classic novel describing a corrupt character
Memory hook
Think of a 'reprobate' as someone who has been 'rejected after probation' because they refused to reform their wicked ways. Rejected for bad behavior.
When not to use
Do not use reprobate in formal legal contexts; it is primarily a literary, theological, or colloquial term.
Fun facts
- In Calvinist theology, 'the reprobate' are those predestined to damnation, in contrast to 'the elect' who are predestined to salvation.
Explore more words
profligate, repudiate, squander, degenerate, prodigal, despicable
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