English vocabulary · C1
Admonition
/ˌæd.məˈnɪʃ.ən/ · n.
It means a serious warning given to someone who has done something wrong. It is firm but not a punishment — a strong reminder to stop or be careful.
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Example sentences
- The judge issued an admonition before the trial began.
- Her admonition was clear — one more mistake and the deal was off.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ad — to (from Latin)
- mon — warn (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- WARNING — a signal of possible danger (General & Broad)
- CAUTION — a soft alert to be careful (Gentle & Preventive)
- REPRIMAND — a formal scolding (Stronger & Official)
Words with the same root
mon — warn
- monitor — a device or person that watches and checks something
- admonish — to warn someone seriously to stop or be careful
- premonition — a feeling that something bad is about to happen
Lesson notes
Admonition. It means a serious warning given to someone who has done something wrong. It is firm but not a punishment — it is a strong reminder to stop or be careful.
Similar words are warning, caution, and reprimand. Use admonition when a serious warning is given with care, not anger.
The judge issued an admonition before the trial began. Her admonition was clear — one more mistake and the deal was off.
From Latin. Ad- means to. Mon- means warn. To warn someone directly — a word sent to make them stop. That is an admonition.