Reprobate

Noun

Definition: A person hardened in sin or wickedness; an unprincipled or depraved individual.

Synonyms: Sinner, Scoundrel, Villain, Rogue, Miscreant

Antonyms: Saint, Virtuous person

Examples:
  • The reprobate showed no remorse for his actions.
  • She was viewed as a reprobate due to her criminal activities.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "re" in reprobate as indicating going back to a state of sin or wickedness.
  • Remember the word by connecting it to the phrase "reprobate behavior" which signifies someone lacking moral decency.

Adjective

Definition: Morally unprincipled or wicked; devoid of decency or moral integrity.

Synonyms: Depraved, Wicked, Immoral, Unprincipled, Corrupt

Antonyms: Virtuous, Moral, Upright, Righteous

Examples:
  • His reprobate behavior led to his downfall.
  • The reprobate nature of the criminal shocked the community.
Mnemonics:
  • Focus on how the "re" in reprobate emphasizes the negation or reversal of moral principles.
  • Think of "reprobate" as referring to someone who is repeatedly behaving in morally wrong ways, as the prefix "re-" can signify repetition.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English, from Old French "reprobé", from Latin "reprobatus" (past participle of "reprobare"), meaning "disapprove" or "reject".

Historical Usage:

The term has been used since Middle English and has maintained a similar meaning throughout history.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Beyond reprobate"

Explanation:

Used to describe someone whose actions or behavior are even worse or more morally depraved than usual.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "reprobate" with "reprobation" or "reprobate theology".

Explanation:

"Reprobation" refers to a theological concept related to God's choice to not save or predestine certain individuals, whereas "reprobate" refers to a person who is morally corrupt. The terms may be related, but they have distinct meanings.

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