admonished
C1Formal to neutral; more common in written and official contexts than casual speech.
Definition
Meaning
To be reprimanded, warned, or advised firmly, typically by an authority figure, due to a fault or mistake.
To be gently or earnestly counseled against a specific action or for a specific purpose; to be mildly scolded or reminded of a duty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a corrective intent from the person doing the admonishing. It can range from a mild, gentle warning to a stern rebuke, but it is generally less severe than 'rebuked' or 'censured' and implies a degree of underlying concern.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word in the same contexts.
Connotations
Slightly formal in both regions. Might be perceived as more literary or official.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday casual conversation in both the UK and US; more frequent in formal writing, legal, religious, or academic texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] admonished [object] for [gerund/noun phrase][subject] admonished [object] against [gerund/noun phrase][subject] admonished [object] that [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “read the riot act (to someone) - a stronger, more forceful public admonishment.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used formally in HR contexts, e.g., 'The employee was admonished for violating the code of conduct.'
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or ethical analysis, e.g., 'The philosopher was admonished by his peers for his controversial views.'
Everyday
Less common, but can be used humorously or lightly, e.g., 'My mother admonished me for forgetting to call.'
Technical
Primarily in legal contexts (e.g., a judge admonishing a jury or a witness) and certain religious contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headmaster admonished the pupils for their unruly behaviour on the trip.
- The judge admonished the barrister for his discourteous remarks in court.
American English
- The supervisor admonished the team for missing the deadline.
- The referee admonished the player for unsportsmanlike conduct.
adverb
British English
- He spoke admonishedly, knowing he was in the wrong. (Very rare)
- She nodded admonishedly. (Very rare)
American English
- 'I know,' he said admonishedly. (Very rare/poetic)
- They sat admonishedly through the lecture. (Very rare/poetic)
adjective
British English
- The admonished clerk looked suitably contrite.
- An admonished tone entered her voice.
American English
- He gave an admonished nod, accepting the criticism.
- Her admonished expression showed she understood the seriousness.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher admonished the class for talking.
- My dad admonished me for coming home late.
- The coach admonished the player for arguing with the referee.
- The committee was formally admonished for its lack of transparency.
- The judge admonished the prosecutor for leading the witness, instructing the jury to disregard the comment.
- The ethical review board admonished the researcher for failing to obtain proper informed consent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MONitor displaying a warning: AD-MON-ished. You are being officially monitored and given a warning.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUIDANCE/PARENTING (Admonishing is a metaphorical act of corrective parenting, guiding someone back to the right path).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not simply 'предупредил' (warned), which is more neutral and preventative. 'Admonished' implies the warning is a response to a *past* misstep.
- Not as strong as 'отчитал' (gave a dressing-down) or 'отругал' (scolded severely). 'Admonished' can be gentler and more formal.
- Can overlap with 'пожурил' (lightly scolded), but 'admonished' carries a more formal, authoritative tone.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'astonished' (surprised).
- Using it for physical punishment (e.g., 'He was admonished with a fine' is awkward; 'reprimanded' or 'penalized' is better).
- Using it without an object or a clear reason (e.g., 'She admonished' is incomplete).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'admonished' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is moderate to formal. It's stronger than 'advised' or 'cautioned' but generally not as harsh as 'berated', 'castigated', or 'excoriated'. It implies correction with authority.
It's grammatically possible but stylistically weak. The word strongly implies a *reason* for the correction, so it's usually followed by 'for', 'against', or a 'that' clause (e.g., admonished for being late, admonished against doing something).
They are close synonyms. 'Reprimand' often implies a more official, formal, and severe rebuke, sometimes documented. 'Admonish' can be slightly gentler and more focused on warning and counsel, though it can also be formal and stern.
No, it is quite rare. The participial form ('the admonished student') is used occasionally, but it's not a standard standalone adjective like 'scolded' might be in informal contexts.