admonitory
Adjective: 1. Expressing warning or caution: Serving to advise someone about a potential danger, problem, or fault, often in a gentle or earnest manner. 2. Expressing reproof or reprimand: Serving to correct or criticize someone's behavior, typically in a way that is intended to be constructive.
The word "admonitory" is a formal adjective used to describe words, actions, tones, or looks that serve to warn, advise, or reprimand. It is often used in contexts involving guidance, correction, or caution.
- The teacher gave the student an admonitory glance when he started talking during the lecture.
- Her letter was filled with admonitory advice about the risks of investing without research.
- The judge's admonitory remarks emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the consequences of repeating it.
- The safety video had an admonitory tone, urging workers to always wear protective gear.
- In a literary or formal context: "admonitory" is often used to describe a character's speech or a narrative voice that provides moral or practical warning.
- As an attributive adjective: It frequently modifies nouns like "tone," "letter," "look," "finger," "voice," or "function."
- Admonish (verb): To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
- Admonition (noun): A firm warning or piece of advice.
- Admonisher (noun): A person who admonishes.
- Warning (serving to warn)
- Cautionary (serving as a warning)
- Advisory (having the function of giving advice)
- Reproachful (expressing disapproval or criticism)
- Monitory (formal, giving warning)
- Approving
- Complimentary
- Encouraging
- Permissive
(While "admonitory" itself is not typically part of common idioms, it relates to the concept of giving warnings.) - A word to the wise: A phrase meaning a hint or brief piece of advice is sufficient for an intelligent person. Example: A word to the wise is admonitory enough.
- expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective
- serving to warn
- shook a monitory finger at him
- an exemplary jail sentence