Reprehensible
mediumNegative tonerep-ri-HEN-suh-bul
adjective
Definition
deserving of strong condemnation or blame
Memory hook
REPREHENSIBLE: sounds like 'reprimand' + 'horrible' — a teacher seizes a horrible prank and reprimands the whole class.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The committee condemned his reprehensible treatment of the volunteers.”
“Spreading deliberate falsehoods about a colleague is reprehensible conduct in any profession.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The committee condemned his ______ treatment of the volunteers.”
Show answer
reprehensible
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Reprehensible is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "blameworthy" or "culpable" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "praiseworthy".
Related GRE Words
culpable
deserving blame for a wrong or fault
condone
to overlook, forgive, or tacitly approve of an offense
fawn
to flatter or seek favor through servile behavior
mercenary
motivated chiefly by a desire for money or personal gain
presumptuous
overstepping proper bounds; arrogantly bold
boorish
rude, ill-mannered, and insensitive
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