Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Admonished Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⚠️
Add to dictionary

admonished

[ədˈmɒnɪʃt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

giving advice

To admonish means to firmly warn or reprimand someone about their behavior. It involves advising against a certain action, often with an undertone of disappointment or disapproval. This can be done in a constructive manner, where the intent is to urge someone towards better choices.

Synonyms

caution, rebuke, reprimand, scold, warn.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher admonished the students to submit their homework on time.
  • She admonished him for being late to the meeting.
  • His mother admonished him to be more careful when crossing the street.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Usage

  • In various cultures, admonishment can be a form of guidance, often seen in parenting to help children learn right from wrong.
  • Historical texts often contain admonishments as a way for leaders or elders to correct others and encourage improvement.
  • In literature, characters may be admonished by mentors or guardians to grow and learn from their mistakes.

Psychology

  • Receiving admonishment can trigger a defensive response in some, but it can also encourage positive behavioral change when delivered constructively.
  • Studies suggest that clear and supportive admonishments lead to more effective learning and adjustment in behavior.
  • Effective admonition includes not just pointing out mistakes, but also suggesting better alternatives.

Education

  • Teachers often admonish students as a way to maintain discipline and encourage a better learning environment.
  • Research shows that students generally respond better to constructive admonishment compared to harsh criticism.
  • Admonishment plays a key role in formative feedback, which is crucial for personal and academic growth.

Legal Context

  • In legal settings, a judge may admonish a defendant about the seriousness of their actions, stressing the importance of obeying the law.
  • Admonishment can also occur in workplace policies, where employees may be warned about breaches of conduct to correct behavior.
  • Legal admonishments are often documented to ensure parties understand expectations and consequences.

Origin of 'admonished'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'admonished' comes from the Latin 'admonere', which means 'to advise or urge'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, showing its long history in speech and writing.
  • The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' or 'toward', and 'monere' means 'to warn', giving a clue to its meaning.

The word 'admonish' comes from the Latin root 'admonere', meaning 'to advise or to remind'. The prefix 'ad-' means 'to' and the root 'monere' means 'to warn'. The transition into Middle English saw the formation of the word as 'admonishen', which carried the sense of cautioning someone about their actions. Since the 14th century, 'admonish' has been used to describe the act of reprimanding with the goal of correcting or guiding behavior. Over time, it has maintained that core meaning, emphasizing the balance between warning and advising.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,029, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.