Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

admonition

American  
[ad-muh-nish-uhn] / ˌæd məˈnɪʃ ən /
Also admonishment

noun

  1. an act of admonishing.

  2. counsel, advice, or caution.

  3. a gentle reproof.

  4. a warning or reproof given by an ecclesiastical authority.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of admonition

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin admonitiōn- (stem of admonitiō ); see ad-, monition; replacing late Middle English amonicioun, from Anglo-French, from Latin; see admonish

Explanation

Bringing a skateboard to school is a great way to get an admonition from a teacher not to ride it down the halls. An admonition is advice with a hint of scolding, a warning not to do something. When you're cautioned or warned about some mistake you might be just about to make, or some looming danger, you're receiving an admonition. The strength and tone of an admonition determine whether it's a gentle, polite suggestion or more of a stern warning. In Scotland, an admonition is an official legal term that means a verbal punishment for someone who's been found guilty but set free.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing admonition

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Plainly the 20th century has turned into the Age of Admonition.

From Time Magazine Archive

He himself led the Reformed attacks by publishing, 1581, "Admonitio Christiana de Libro Concordiae, Christian Admonition Concerning the Book of Concord," also called "Admonitio Neostadiensis, Neustadt Admonition."

From Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by Bente, F. (Friedrich)

Letters from Italy, to which is annexed, An Admonition to Gentlemen who pass the Alps, London, 1767, pp.

From English Travellers of the Renaissance by Howard, Clare

Connected with this Admonition of Cardinal Allen, there is another question of some interest.

From Notes and Queries, 1850.12.21 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Geneologists, etc. by Bell, George

Admonition is prospective, and relates to moral delinquencies; its object is to prevent further transgression.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "admonition" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com