admonition

/ˌæd.məˈnɪʃ.ən/ formal

Say it: ad-muh-NISH-un

1. noun A firm warning or reprimand about a person's behavior or a fault.
The judge delivered a stern admonition to the defendant before sentencing.
2. noun Authoritative counsel or gentle advice against a potential mistake or oversight.
He remembered his grandfather's quiet admonition to always save a little of what he earned.
🇪🇸 amonestación

📖 Seen in the wild

The soul always hears an admonition in such lines, let the subject be what it may.
collected by @missha

✏️ admonition in a sentence

Her manager's admonition about her tardiness was more effective than a loud scolding would have been.
Despite the committee's admonition, the company continued its risky investment strategy.
The article served as a general admonition to readers about the dangers of misinformation.
He took his friend's admonition to heart and decided to change his ways.
The coach issued an admonition to the team regarding their lack of focus during practice.
In her letter, she included a gentle admonition not to forget the promises he had made.
The ancient text is filled with admonitions against greed and hubris.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

reprimand warning rebuke caution censure reproof scolding exhortation

reprimand · stronger and more official, often delivered by someone in authority.

warning · more focused on future danger or consequences rather than past behavior.

rebuke · harsher and implies sharp, direct disapproval.

caution · milder and more about advising prudence to avoid a future problem.

Opposites: praise, commendation, accolade, approval, endorsement

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'admonition' traces back to the Latin verb 'admonere', which means 'to bring to mind' or 'to warn'. It is built from 'ad-' (to) and 'monere' (to advise, warn), the same root that gives us 'monitor' and 'monster'. It entered English through Old French, carrying with it the sense of a formal, authoritative warning or piece of advice.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

a stern admonitiona gentle admonitionissue an admonitionheed an admonitiona word of admonitionreceive an admonition

Admonition is a formal word that sits between gentle advice and a harsh reprimand. It implies that the person giving it has a degree of moral or professional authority. Using it suggests the goal is corrective guidance rather than punishment. In everyday speech, 'warning' is far more common; reserve 'admonition' for situations where a degree of gravity and formality is appropriate.

Word family: admonish, admonitory

💬 Quick answers

What does admonition mean?

An admonition is a formal warning or piece of advice, typically concerning someone's behavior or a mistake. It can range from a gentle reminder to a firm reprimand.

What is the difference between an admonition and a warning?

A warning usually points to a future danger or consequence, like 'a warning about a storm'. An admonition is more often a criticism or piece of advice about a past action or a character flaw, like 'an admonition for being careless'.

Is 'admonition' a formal word?

Yes, 'admonition' is a formal word. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use terms like 'warning', 'telling-off', or 'heads-up'.

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