monition: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “monition” mean?
A formal warning or caution, especially one given by an authority.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal warning or caution, especially one given by an authority.
A piece of advice or counsel intended to prevent harm or error; in legal contexts, a formal notice or summons; in ecclesiastical contexts, an official warning from a church court.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though the word is more likely to be encountered in British legal or ecclesiastical contexts due to historical structures.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formality and authority. In the UK, it may have a slightly stronger historical/archaic feel.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions. Slightly higher frequency in formal British writing, but still uncommon.
Grammar
How to Use “monition” in a Sentence
[Authority] issued a monition to [Recipient] regarding [Issue].The [Court/Bishop] served a monition on [Person/Entity].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “monition” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The court can monish a party to comply. (archaic)
American English
- The judge monished the attorney. (archaic/rare)
adverb
British English
- The bishop spoke monitorily. (extremely rare)
American English
- She looked at him monitorily. (extremely rare)
adjective
British English
- The monitory letter was clear in its intent. (related adjective)
American English
- He ignored the monitory signs. (related adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. A formal 'warning' or 'notice' would be used instead.
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or theological papers discussing formal procedures. e.g., 'The bishop's monition was a key instrument of ecclesiastical discipline.'
Everyday
Extremely rare and would sound archaic or pretentious.
Technical
Specific term in canon law and some historical legal contexts for a formal written warning or order.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “monition”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “monition”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “monition”
- Confusing it with 'admonition' (which is more general and less legally binding).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'warning' is appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'monision' or 'monission'.
- Incorrect stress: /ˈmɒnɪʃən/ (stress is on the second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in legal, historical, or ecclesiastical contexts.
'Monition' is more formal and often implies an official warning with potential consequences, typically from an authority. 'Admonition' is broader, covering any earnest warning or counsel, and can be less formal.
The direct verb form 'monition' does not exist. The related, now archaic, verb is 'monish'. In modern English, you would use phrases like 'issue a monition' or 'serve a monition'.
For active use, no. It is a word for passive recognition, useful only for advanced learners interested in legal history, theology, or very formal literature.
A formal warning or caution, especially one given by an authority.
Monition is usually formal, legal, ecclesiastical in register.
Monition: in British English it is pronounced /məʊˈnɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /moʊˈnɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MONItor' giving a formal 'caUTION' = MONITION.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A VOICE (issuing a formal, audible warning).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'monition' MOST appropriately used?