Admonishment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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admonishment

[ədˈmɒnɪʃmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

formal

A formal or authoritative warning or reprimand.

Synonyms

rebuke, reprimand, warning.

Examples of usage

  • He received an admonishment from his boss for being late to work.
  • The teacher gave an admonishment to the students for talking during the exam.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A formal statement of disapproval issued by a court.

Synonyms

censure, rebuke, reproof.

Examples of usage

  • The judge's admonishment to the defendant emphasized the seriousness of the crime.
  • The lawyer requested an admonishment from the court regarding the witness's behavior.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, admonishment can serve a nurturing role, promoting behavior change through constructive feedback.
  • Regular admonishments can influence our self-esteem and motivation, shaping how we respond to critiques.
  • Too much negative admonishment can lead to anxiety, so balance between praise and advice is essential.

Education

  • Teachers use admonishments to guide students toward better behavior and learning practices.
  • Effective admonishments in educational settings often include positive reinforcement alongside the critique.
  • Peer-to-peer admonishment can foster a collaborative learning environment, promoting shared responsibility.

Literature

  • Admonishments often appear in fables and parables, teaching moral lessons through a warning style.
  • In classic literature, characters may deliver admonishments as a form of wisdom or guidance for others.
  • Writers utilize admonishment to create tension, where characters confront others about their mistakes.

Pop Culture

  • Popular movies and TV shows often feature characters who give admonishments, reflecting moral and ethical dilemmas.
  • The concept of 'tough love' in pop culture often involves giving admonishments as a form of care.
  • Social media influencers might use admonishment in their content to promote positivity and accountability.

Origin of 'admonishment'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'admonere', which means 'to advise' or 'to remind'.
  • The roots can also be split into 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'monere' meaning 'warn' or 'advise'.
  • This term has been used in English since the late 14th century.

The word 'admonishment' originates from the Middle English word 'amonestement', which comes from the Old French 'amonester' meaning 'to warn or advise'. The prefix 'ad-' adds emphasis to the word. Over time, the term evolved to its current usage in English, referring to a formal warning or reprimand.


See also: admonition.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,383 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.