admonish
ad-MON-ish
/ədˈmɒn.ɪʃ/
To warn, advise, or scold someone gently but firmly about their behavior.
Implies constructive guidance or gentle warning rather than harsh punishment or anger.
The story behind the word. From Latin admonere, combining ad- ('to') and monere ('to warn' or 'advise'). It entered Middle English via Old French admonester, carrying the sense of reminding someone of their duty before formal discipline became necessary.
Word relationships
- warn: 'Warn' highlights potential future danger, whereas 'admonish' combines warning with mild moral rebuke.
- caution: 'Caution' focuses on advising care or safety, whereas 'admonish' addresses improper conduct.
- praise: 'Praise' expresses strong approval, the direct opposite of verbal warning.
- commend: 'Commend' formally approves or compliments someone's actions.
Commonly confused with
- reprimand: 'Reprimand' is a formal, official rebuke, whereas 'admonish' is gentler and more advisory.
Word family
- admonition (noun): A gentle warning or counsel against fault or error.
- admonitory (adjective): Serving to warn or reprimand.
Collocations
- admonish gently
- admonish sternly
- admonish a student
- admonish against
Example sentences
- "The teacher took the student aside to admonish him for chatting during quiet reading time." Literature / General Narrative
- "We must admonish our fellow citizens against the dangers of public apathy." Historical Speech
Memory hook
Think of 'add a monitor' — a monitor warns you before you get into real trouble. Add a warning before trouble starts.
When not to use
Do not use for severe legal penalties or extreme physical punishment.
Fun facts
- The root 'monere' also gives us words like 'monitor', 'monument' (a reminder of history), and 'premonition'.
Also appears in
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