reproachful
UK[rɪˈprəʊtʃfl]US[rɪˈproʊtʃfl]
adj
showing that you are criticizing someone or blaming them for something they have done
adj
full of or expressing reproach
Morpheme Breakdown
re
proach
ful
re
again, back
proach
near
ful
full of
Etymology
the word 'reproachful' is built upon the verb 'reproach', which entered english from old french 'reprochier'. this old french term derived from vulgar latin 'repropiare', meaning 'to bring back near', a compound of the latin prefix 're-' ('back') and the root from 'prope' ('near'). the literal sense was to bring a fault back near to someone, hence to accuse or blame. the suffix '-ful', of germanic origin, is added to form an adjective meaning 'characterized by' or 'full of' the quality of reproach. thus, a 'reproachful' look is one that is full of blame or disapproval, bringing the perceived fault back to the attention of the offender.
Analysis
Structure: re + proach + ful
re- (latin prefix, meaning 'again, back'), proach (from latin 'prope', meaning 'near'), -ful (old english suffix, meaning 'full of')
Examples
she gave him a reproachful glance when he arrived late.
his voice was soft but reproachful.
the child's reproachful silence was worse than any shouting.