Both Uses of
reproach
in
Hedda Gabler
- For the last two years his conduct has been irreproachable.
Act 1 *irreproachable = beyond criticismstandard affixes: The prefix ir- is often used in front of words that start with R to mean not. That reverses the meaning of the word as seen in words like irrational, irregular, and irresistible. The suffix "-able" means able to be. This is the same pattern you see in words like breakable, understandable, and comfortable.
- Perfectly irreproachable, I assure you!†
Act 1
Definition:
-
(reproach) a criticism; or to express criticism or disappointment -- especially where a relationship makes the disapproval result in disappointment or shameeditor's notes: The expression "beyond reproach" is often used to indicate that one must not only be careful to do everything right, but must be careful not to do anything that might make people suspect they did something wrong. For example, politicians often need to behave in a manner that is beyond reproach.
"Beyond reproach" can also suggest that something is perfect. More rarely, it can also be used to suggest that someone is too powerful or too well-connected to criticize.