admonish
C1/C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
To warn or reprimand someone firmly, typically with the intention of correcting their behaviour.
To advise or urge someone earnestly, often regarding a duty or responsibility, with an authoritative or cautionary tone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies a position of authority or moral high ground from which the speaker acts, and combines elements of warning, scolding, and earnest advice. It is not typically used for casual reprimands between equals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word in formal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a formal, sometimes stern, paternalistic or superior tone.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects; a formal literary word.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to admonish somebody for somethingto admonish somebody against doing somethingto admonish somebody to do somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word 'admonish'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used in formal disciplinary contexts or ethical guidelines, e.g., 'The board admonished the executive for the breach of protocol.'
Academic
Found in historical, legal, or literary texts describing authoritative advice or reprimand.
Everyday
Very rare; considered overly formal. Parents might humorously say they 'admonished' a child for a serious misdeed.
Technical
Used in legal or religious contexts, e.g., 'The judge admonished the witness to tell the truth.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headteacher admonished the pupils for their unruly behaviour.
- He was admonished by the magistrate to be more careful in future.
American English
- The senator was admonished by the ethics committee.
- She admonished her colleague against sharing confidential information.
adverb
British English
- He spoke admonishingly to the new recruits.
American English
- She shook her head admonishingly.
adjective
British English
- The admonitory tone of the letter was clear.
American English
- She gave him an admonitory glance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher admonished the class to be quiet.
- My mother admonished me for coming home late.
- The safety inspector admonished the site manager for the clear violations.
- He was solemnly admonished against taking such risks again.
- The report admonishes the government for its failure to act on the climate crisis.
- In his sermon, the priest admonished the congregation to practise greater charity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MONItor in a school who ADvises and warns you – AD-MON-ish.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL AUTHORITY AS PHYSICAL GUIDANCE (to lead someone back to the correct path through verbal force).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'ругать' (to scold), which is more common and less formal. Closer to 'увещевать' or 'делать выговор'.
- False friend: Do not confuse with 'администрировать' (to administer).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual contexts where 'tell off' or 'scold' is more natural.
- Incorrect preposition: 'admonish *about*' is less standard than 'admonish for' or 'admonish against'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'admonish' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, literary word. In everyday speech, people are more likely to use 'tell off', 'scold', 'warn', or 'reprimand'.
'Reprimand' is a stronger, more official rebuke, often public and disciplinary. 'Admonish' can be gentler, more earnest, and focused on correction and future behaviour, though it can also be stern.
Rarely. It is almost always a transitive verb (e.g., 'She admonished him'). Intransitive use, like 'She began to admonish', is grammatically possible but sounds incomplete without context.
The main nouns are 'admonishment' (the act of admonishing) and 'admonition' (the advice or warning itself). 'Admonition' is more common.