An admonition is a warning or piece of advice given to someone to correct their behavior or to caution them against doing something wrong or harmful. It is often delivered in a gentle or earnest manner, urging the person to act responsibly, make better decisions, or be mindful of potential consequences. While an admonition can be firm, it is usually not as harsh or reprimanding as a formal reprimand. The goal of an admonition is to guide or correct without causing offense. In Indonesian, admonition can be translated as peringatan or nasihat, both reflecting the idea of a cautionary or advisory statement.
Synonyms:
- Warning
- Caution
- Advice
- Counsel
- Rebuke
- Reprimand
- Tip
- Guideline
- Instruction
- Cautionary note
- Reminder
- Encouragement
- Direction
- Suggestion
- Correction
Sentences Using “Admonition”:
- His mother’s admonition to study hard before the exam stuck with him throughout his school years.
- The teacher’s admonition to be respectful to others was well-received by the students.
- She gave him a stern admonition not to repeat the same mistake again.
- The coach’s admonition to always give your best effort motivated the team.
- His admonition to avoid unnecessary risks was based on years of experience in the field.
- The general offered a stern admonition about the consequences of disobeying orders.
- Her kind admonition helped me realize that I was taking on too much at once.
- After the incident, his father gave him an admonition about being more responsible with his actions.
- The manager’s admonition to stay focused during the meeting was timely and appropriate.
- A gentle admonition about being late to work was given to the new employee.
Related Words:
- Warning
- Advice
- Counsel
- Rebuke
- Reprimand
- Caution
- Reminder
- Suggestion
- Direction
- Instruction
- Reminder
- Guideline
- Observation
- Tip
- Precept
Phrasal Verbs Related to “Admonition”:
- Give a warning (to offer an admonition or caution about potential consequences)
- Lay down the law (to give a firm admonition or set clear boundaries)
- Call to attention (to highlight something that requires caution or admonition)
- Put on notice (to inform someone of a potential problem or warning through admonition)
- Offer advice (to provide an admonition in the form of helpful guidance)
- Take heed (to listen to or act on an admonition or advice)
- Lay it out (to make an admonition clear and straightforward to someone)
- Give a piece of advice (to offer an admonition or cautionary suggestion)
- Warn against (to caution someone or give them an admonition about a potential danger)
- Point out (to highlight or admonish about something specific)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to “Admonition”:
- Sound the alarm (to give a warning or admonition about an impending issue or problem)
- Give someone a piece of your mind (to scold or admonish someone for their actions)
- Draw the line (to set boundaries and give an admonition about what is unacceptable)
- Give a stern talking-to (to deliver a serious admonition or reprimand)
- Watch your step (a cautionary admonition, warning someone to be careful in their actions)
- A word to the wise (a short admonition or piece of advice that is meant to be heeded)
- Get the message (to understand and heed an admonition or warning)
- Keep someone on their toes (to constantly provide admonition or reminders to stay alert and cautious)
- Take it to heart (to seriously consider an admonition or piece of advice)
- Mind your manners (an admonition to be polite or respectful)
Let me know if you’d like more examples or further clarification!
Synonyms:
- reprimand
- rebuke
- reproof
- remonstrance
- reproach
- admonishment
- stricture
- lecture
- criticism
- recrimination
- tirade
- diatribe
- philippic
- harangue
- attack
- scolding
- chastisement
- castigation
- upbraiding
- berating
- reproval
- censure
- condemnation
- exhortation
- warning
- caution
- caveat
- piece of advice
- admonishment
- recommendation
- injunction
- monition
- enjoinment
- instruction
- direction
- suggestion
- lesson
- lecture
- precept
- advice
- counsel
- guidance
- urging
- encouragement
- persuasion
- pressure
- dated:
- rating
- telling-off
- dressing-down
- talking-to
- tongue-lashing
- bashing
- blast
- rap
- rap over the knuckles
- slap on the wrist
- flea in one’s ear
- earful
- roasting
- rollicking
- caning
- blowing-up
- rocket
- wigging
- slating
- ticking off
- carpeting
- serve
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The Art of the Reprimand: A Lexicon of Discipline
From the gentle whisper of a caution to the thunderous roar of a tirade, the language of reprimand is a vast and varied tapestry. It encompasses a spectrum of tones, intensities, and purposes, each reflecting a unique approach to correcting behavior and guiding individuals towards a more productive path.
At the milder end of the spectrum, we find the admonition, a gentle piece of advice or a friendly suggestion. It’s a soft nudge, a reminder of expectations, delivered with the intention of guiding the recipient towards a more positive path. Think of a mentor offering a word of encouragement, a friend expressing concern, or a parent offering a gentle correction.
As we move up the scale, we encounter the reprimand, a formal expression of disapproval, often delivered with a sense of authority. It can be a lecture, a criticism, or a reproach, delivered with varying degrees of severity depending on the transgression. Think of a teacher addressing a student, a boss reviewing an employee’s performance, or a judge delivering a verdict.
Further up the scale, we encounter the more forceful expressions of disapproval, the rebukes and remonstrances. These are often delivered with passion and conviction, reflecting a deep sense of frustration or indignation. Think of a parent’s scolding, a coach’s dressing-down, or a politician’s philippic.
At the most intense end of the spectrum, we find the diatribes and harangues, the verbal assaults that leave the recipient feeling shaken and demoralized. These are often delivered with anger and vitriol, reflecting a complete loss of control. Think of a heated argument, a public shaming, or a political bashing.
The art of the reprimand lies in finding the right tool for the job. It’s about understanding the context, the recipient, and the nature of the transgression. It’s about choosing the right words, the right tone, and the right level of intensity to achieve the desired outcome. It’s about recognizing that the goal of a reprimand is not simply to punish, but to guide, to correct, and ultimately, to foster a more responsible and productive society.
