Key Difference – Reproof vs Correction
Reproof and correction are two nouns that have similar meanings. Both are related to errors or mistakes and their consequences. Reproof refers to an expression of blame or disapproval. Correction refers to the action or process of correcting – setting something right. This is the key difference between reproof and correction.
What Does Reproof Mean?
Reproof refers to an expression of blame or disapproval. Reproof is derived from the verb reprove. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines reproof as “criticism for a fault” whereas Cambridge dictionary defines it as “something that you say or do to show that you disapprove of someone’s bad or silly behavior”. Compared to other verbs indicating disapproval such as rebuke and reprimand, reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. Therefore, reproof too can be described as somewhat kind and gentle correction.
My mother gave us a look of reproof, but we pretended not to see it.
He hit John in the shoulder in light reproof.
I welcomed the children with a mild reproof for leaving Kane alone.
The fear of reproof from the teachers prevented him from complaining.
Her uncle shook his finger in mock reproof.
Her words sounded like reproof, so we were disappointed.
What Does Correction Mean?
Correction can refer to the action or process of correcting. Correcting means to set or make something right. For example, if you have made a spelling mistake in your writing, correcting would mean erasing the word and rewriting the accurate spelling. Correcting someone’s behavior means pointing out what he or she is doing wrong and teaching him or her to do it right. Correction is defined by the Cambridge dictionary as “a change made to something in order to correct or improve it, or the action of making such a change” and by Merriam-Webster dictionary as “the action or an instance of correcting”
However, the term correction, especially when used in reference to behavior, can also refer to a punishment that is intended to rehabilitate or improve someone.
Correction, not punishment, should be encouraged in schools.
The teacher forgot to mark corrections on the answer scripts.
Her elder sister made a few corrections to her homework.
He made all the changes and corrections the teacher recommended and resubmitted his essay.
During this time, prisons were used as means of punishment, not correction.
I made several corrections in his script, but he refused to change the original script.
What is the difference between Reproof and Correction?
Definition:
Reproof: Reproof refers to something that you say/do to indicate that you disapprove of someone else’s bad or silly behavior.
Correction: Correction refers to the action of making a change to something in order to correct or improve it.
Correction:
Reproof: Reproof often implies a kind and gentle correction.
Correction: Correction may involve punishment.
Type of Fault/Error:
Reproof: Reproof is related to faults regarding someone’s behavior.
Correction: Correction can refer to many types of errors, faults, and mistakes.
Image Courtesy:
“A study in human nature, being an interpretation with character analysis chart of Hoffman’s master painting “Christ in the temple”; (1920)” via CircaSassy (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
“Spelling Correction Example” By Bill – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia