comminatory

/'kɔminətəri/

Thân thiện

The judge's comminatory tone warned of severe consequences.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Containing or conveying a warning of punishment or vengeance: Expressing a threat of severe consequences for wrongdoing.

Usage

• The word "comminatory" is a formal adjective, primarily used in legal, religious, or literary contexts to describe language, gestures, or documents that serve as a stern warning of impending punishment.
• It is typically used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).

Examples

• The judge's comminatory remarks left no doubt about the consequences of further contempt of court.
• The prophet delivered a comminatory sermon, warning the people of divine retribution.
• The letter from the lawyer was comminatory in tone, threatening legal action.

Advanced Usage

• "comminatory language": Language that explicitly threatens punishment.
  • The treaty included comminatory language against any nation that violated its terms.
• "comminatory gesture": A threatening action meant to warn.
  • His comminatory gesture silenced the crowd immediately.

Variants and Related Words

• Commination (n): The act of threatening punishment or vengeance; a formal denunciation, especially a set of curses in a religious service.
  • The priest recited the commination against sinners.
• Comminate (v): (Rare) To threaten with punishment; to denounce.
  • The leader comminated those who would betray the cause.

Synonyms

• Threatening: Expressing an intention to inflict harm.
• Menacing: Suggesting the presence of danger; threatening.
• Minatory: (Formal) Expressing a threat.
• Denunciatory: Publicly declaring something to be wrong or evil, often with an implied threat.

Antonyms

• Complimentary: Expressing praise or admiration.
• Conciliatory: Intended to placate or gain goodwill.
• Benevolent: Well-meaning and kindly.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A comminatory finger": A pointed finger used in a threatening or accusatory manner.
  • He shook a comminatory finger at the trespassers.
• "Comminatory verses": In historical or religious texts, verses that pronounce curses or threats.
  • The ancient text contained comminatory verses meant to protect the tomb.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. containing warning of punishment

Từ đồng nghĩa

• denunciative
• denunciatory