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admonish

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "admonish": To admonish someone is to offer a firm, earnest warning or a gentle but serious reprimand. The menta

What does "admonish" mean?

To admonish someone is to offer a firm, earnest warning or a gentle but serious reprimand. The mental image is that of a mentor or authority figure placing a hand on someone’s shoulder to steer them away from a mistake before it happens, or correcting behavior that has already gone off course. It is a formal term, far more precise than simply "scolding." While it implies disapproval, it carries a sense of moral weight or concern for the person's character rather than just anger. It is often used in professional or instructional settings, such as a coach correcting an athlete or a boss addressing a minor policy violation.

"admonish" in conversation

Office feedback

I must admonish you for sending that email without proofreading it first.

I must admonish you for sending that email without proofreading it first.

I apologize, it won't happen again.

I apologize, it won't happen again.

Used here to indicate a serious professional correction.

Friend to friend

I have to admonish you for driving so recklessly in this rain.

I have to admonish you for driving so recklessly in this rain.

You're right, I was being careless.

You're right, I was being careless.

Shows the word being used out of genuine concern for safety.

"admonish" in a sentence

  1. The teacher admonished the students for talking during the exam.

    The teacher admonished the students for talking during the exam.

  2. She admonished him to be more careful with his health after the scare.

    She admonished him to be more careful with his health after the scare.

  3. The judge admonished the jury to disregard the evidence that had been stricken from the record.

    The judge admonished the jury to disregard the evidence that had been stricken from the record.

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