“Admonition” is a noun that refers to a gentle but firm warning or reprimand. It implies a cautionary message, often delivered to a person who has made a mistake or is about to make one. It carries a sense of concern and a desire to guide the person towards better behavior. For example, a parent might give an admonition to their child about being careful crossing the street.
Here are 10 sentences using the word “admonition”:
- The judge delivered a stern admonition to the defendant, warning him about the consequences of his actions.
- The teacher gave the students an admonition about being respectful to one another in the classroom.
- The coach offered an admonition to the player, reminding him to focus on teamwork and not just individual glory.
- The doctor gave the patient an admonition about following their medication schedule carefully.
- The mentor provided an admonition to the young artist, encouraging them to trust their instincts and not be afraid to experiment.
- The elder gave the younger generation an admonition about the importance of preserving tradition.
- The friend offered an admonition to their friend, urging them to think before acting impulsively.
- The therapist gave the client an admonition about the importance of self-care and setting healthy boundaries.
- The leader gave the team an admonition about the importance of communication and collaboration.
- The wise sage gave the young seeker an admonition about the dangers of seeking power and the importance of humility.
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
***
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.