admonition
Americannoun
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an act of admonishing.
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counsel, advice, or caution.
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a gentle reproof.
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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.
Vocabulary lists containing admonition
The Giver
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The Diary of a Young Girl
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Metamorphosis
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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
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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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.