comminatory
/'kɔminətəri/
Definition
- 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.
Adjective
-
containing warning of punishment
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