adjure
C2Formal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
To command or charge someone solemnly, often under oath or with great urgency.
To earnestly request or entreat someone to do something; to issue a formal command.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a grave or solemn request/command, often invoking authority, law, or a higher power. The request is intense and formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, archaic, or legalistic in both varieties. Conveys a sense of solemnity.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, found primarily in legal, religious, or literary contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone] adjures [someone] (to do something)[Someone] is adjured (by someone) (to do something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To adjure someone on their honour”
- “To adjure by all that is holy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical or religious studies texts.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound archaic or pretentious.
Technical
Occasionally in formal legal or ecclesiastical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The magistrate adjured the defendant to answer truthfully.
- I adjure you by the old gods and the new to remember your vow.
American English
- The judge adjured the witness to tell the whole truth.
- She adjured him to reconsider his dangerous plan.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The word 'adjure' is not typically taught at the A2 level.
- He adjured his friend to be careful on the icy roads.
- The priest adjured the congregation to help the poor.
- The detective adjured the suspect to reveal his accomplice's name.
- In her letter, she adjured the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
- The treaty adjured both nations to refrain from hostilities in the disputed territory.
- Standing before the council, he adjured them to heed the warnings of history.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ADJURE sounds like 'a JURY'. A judge might ADJURE a jury to consider the evidence carefully.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A BINDING FORCE (The words create an obligation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как 'присягать' (to swear an oath). Правильнее: 'торжественно умолять' или 'заклинать'.
- Не путать с 'abjure' (отрекаться).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'adjure' with 'abjure' (to renounce).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'ask' or 'urge' is appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'adgure' or 'ajure'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'adjure' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English and is considered formal or literary.
'Adjure' means to command or urge solemnly. 'Abjure' means to renounce or reject solemnly (e.g., to abjure violence). They are near opposites.
It would sound extremely formal, archaic, or even pretentious. Words like 'urge', 'beg', or 'implore' are far more common.
It is a transitive verb. It requires a direct object (someone is adjured).