reprobate
What does "reprobate" mean?
A reprobate is a person who is morally abandoned, often acting without any sense of duty or propriety. The mental image is of someone who has strayed far from the path of "good" behavior, perhaps living a life of vice or stubborn rebellion against societal standards. While the word carries a heavy moral weight, it is often used today in a slightly theatrical or exaggerated way, sometimes even affectionately to describe a "lovable rogue" or a habitual mischief-maker. It is formal, so you would rarely use it in everyday conversation unless you are aiming for a slightly dramatic or old-fashioned tone.
"reprobate" in conversation
Discussing a mischievous friend
I heard Mark skipped work again to go to the races.
I heard Mark skipped work again to go to the races.
That guy is a total reprobate, but I can't help but like him.
That guy is a total reprobate, but I can't help but like him.
Shows the usage of the word for a 'lovable rogue' rather than a true villain.
Literary critique
The protagonist is painted as a hardened reprobate.
The protagonist is painted as a hardened reprobate.
Does he ever find redemption by the end of the novel?
Does he ever find redemption by the end of the novel?
Shows the more serious, literary application of the term.
"reprobate" in a sentence
He lived as a reprobate for most of his youth.
He lived as a reprobate for most of his youth.
The village elders considered him a hopeless reprobate.
The village elders considered him a hopeless reprobate.
Despite his reputation as a dissolute reprobate, he was remarkably generous to the poor.
Despite his reputation as a dissolute reprobate, he was remarkably generous to the poor.
