'reprovative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reprobare', where 're-' meant 'back' or 'again' and 'probare' meant 'to test, prove, or approve.'

'reprovative' was formed in English by combining the verb 'reprove' (from Middle English/Old French roots derived from Latin 'reprobare') with the adjectival suffix '-ative', creating the modern adjective 'reprovative'.

Initially related to the Latin sense 'to disapprove' or 'to reject (as unproved or unworthy)', over time it evolved into the English adjective meaning 'expressing reproach' or 'serving as a rebuke'.