admonishment
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A formal or authoritative warning or reprimand.
The act of advising or cautioning someone against a fault or error; a mild rebuke or expression of disapproval.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of authority or seniority in the person giving the admonishment. It is more formal and less severe than 'scolding' but more serious than 'advice'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'admonishment' is used in both varieties, but 'admonition' is a more common synonym, especially in British English.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a formal, somewhat old-fashioned or legalistic tone.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech; more common in written, legal, or formal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
admonishment for [noun/gerund]admonishment from [person/authority]admonishment about/regarding [issue]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal HR contexts, e.g., 'The employee received a written admonishment for violating the code of conduct.'
Academic
Found in historical, legal, or theological texts discussing corrective speech or discipline.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously for a mild scolding, e.g., 'I got a gentle admonishment for being late.'
Technical
Used in legal or disciplinary proceedings as a formal step below more severe penalties.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headteacher admonished the pupils for their unruly behaviour.
- He was admonished by the judge for contempt of court.
American English
- The manager admonished the team for missing the deadline.
- She admonished her friend for driving recklessly.
adverb
British English
- The teacher looked at him admonishingly.
- She spoke admonishingly about the risks.
American English
- He shook his head admonishingly.
- The officer spoke admonishingly to the driver.
adjective
British English
- He spoke in an admonitory tone.
- She gave him an admonitory glance.
American English
- The letter had an admonitory message.
- His father's admonitory words stuck with him.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His admonishment was not very strong.
- The child listened to his mother's admonishment.
- After the mistake, she faced a formal admonishment from her supervisor.
- The official's public admonishment was reported in the news.
- The committee's report contained a stern admonishment regarding the department's financial oversight.
- His repeated failures resulted in an admonishment that was placed in his permanent record.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MONITOR (from Latin 'monere' = to warn) giving an ADvice-MONITOR-ment.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECTION IS A BURDEN (to bear/carry an admonishment), AUTHORITY IS HEIGHT (an admonishment comes from above).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'предупреждение' which is more commonly 'warning'. 'Admonishment' implies a reprimand for something already done.
- Do not confuse with 'наставление' (instruction/guidance). 'Admonishment' has a stronger negative, corrective component.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'admonish').
- Confusing it with 'admonition' (they are synonyms, but 'admonition' can also imply advice for the future).
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'telling-off' or 'scolding' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest in meaning to 'admonishment'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are largely synonymous. 'Admonition' is slightly more common, especially in British English, and can sometimes lean more towards earnest advice or caution, whereas 'admonishment' leans slightly more towards the rebuke itself.
No, it is a formal word (C1 level) used primarily in written, legal, or official contexts. In everyday speech, words like 'telling-off', 'scolding', or 'warning' are more frequent.
Typically not. It is corrective and implies disapproval, though it can be intended as constructive. A 'gentle admonishment' is less severe but still points out a fault.
The verb is 'to admonish'. Example: 'The teacher admonished the student for talking.'