Definition

Noun: 1. A firm but gentle warning or piece of advice intended to correct or guide someone's behavior. It often implies a mild, earnest, or cautionary rebuke given by someone in authority or with concern. 2. A formal or official warning or reprimand, especially one that advises against a specific action or course of conduct.

Usage

An "admonition" is used to describe a verbal or written statement that warns, advises, or corrects. It is stronger than simple advice but less severe than a harsh reprimand. It is often intended to prevent future mistakes or danger.

Examples

• The teacher's quiet admonition to pay attention was enough for the student to stop talking.
• He ignored his doctor's admonition to reduce his sugar intake.
• The judge gave the young offender a stern admonition about the consequences of breaking the law again.
• Her letter was filled with motherly admonitions about staying safe while traveling.

Advanced Usage

• Formal/Religious Context: In formal or religious settings, an "admonition" can be an official act of counsel or warning, often part of a disciplinary process.
  • The priest offered an admonition to the congregation about the importance of forgiveness.
• Legal/Judicial Context: It can refer to a judge's formal warning to a jury or to a defendant.
  • The judge's admonition to the jury was to disregard the last statement made by the witness.

Variants and Related Words

• Admonish (verb): To warn or advise someone firmly.
  • She admonished her children for running near the pool.
• Admonitory (adjective): Serving to warn or advise.
  • He gave her an admonitory look.
• Admonisher (noun): A person who admonishes.

Synonyms

• Warning: A statement informing of a possible danger or problem.
• Reprimand: A formal expression of disapproval.
• Caution: Advice to be careful.
• Exhortation: An urgent or earnest plea or advice.
• Counsel: Advice, especially that given formally.

Antonyms

• Commendation: Praise.
• Approval: The action of agreeing to or accepting something.
• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.

Idioms and Phrases

• A word of admonition: A piece of cautionary advice.
  • Let me offer you a word of admonition before you make your decision.
• To heed an admonition: To pay attention to and follow a warning.
  • He failed to heed the admonition and suffered the consequences.

Noun

1. a firm rebuke
2. cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness)
   • a letter of admonition about the dangers of immorality
   • the warning was to beware of surprises
   • his final word of advice was not to play with matches