admonishment

USAGE SUMMARY

"admonishment" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a gentle reprimand, warning, or advice, typically one that is given in a friendly or concerned way. Example sentence: The teacher's gentle admonishment helped the student understand the importance of listening in class.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was rather too eager to shoot on sight than appease the tribesmen, killing seven and drawing mild admonishment from the colonial authorities.

The Guardian

In the past few weeks it has been further riled by America's gentle admonishment, in private, of its war in Yemen, where aid agencies warn of a humanitarian catastrophe.

The Economist

To a distressing degree America has broken faith with its commitment to public higher education, and with those for whom it represents a way up.JEFFREY RIEDINGER SeattleFocused knowledgeThomas Aquinas's phrase "beware of the person of one book" was not an admonishment against "unscholarly types" ("Spotify for books", January 24th).

The Economist

The Americans may still resent the tone of that admonishment, but they and the British recognise the value of France's credibility in the Arab world and sometimes draw on it to everybody's benefit.

The Economist

And the risk of admonishment by the IMF was only a minor factor in their decisions.

The Economist

JOLTED into action by an admonishment from Thailand's revered monarch, King Bhumibol, the country's judges this week complied with his request that they find a way out of a deep political mess.

The Economist

Praise and reward for achievement seem to have been generally emphasized more than ridicule and admonishment for failure, although a child's joking relatives were a constant presence and their potential for teasing provided a strong incentive for socially acceptable interaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In these endeavours, continuous assistance was rendered by Epicurus himself, who, even when old and ill, was occupied in writing letters of admonishment, guidance, and comfort everywhere announcing his gospel of peace and, under the name of pleasure, inviting to love.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The child rubbing its genitals finds that this quickly attracts adult attention and admonishment or that adults will divert him or her from this activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hillarious!" Van Commenee might not have seen the funny side, having embellished his admonishment of Idowu on Friday by saying: "Twitter is for clowns and attention seekers with too much time on their hands".

Independent

All descends in such a rush, such a terrible fury – which reminds us of Jesus's admonishment to be forever watchful because you never know at what hour doom many strike.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admonishment" when you want to convey a sense of gentle but firm correction, often with the intention of guidance or improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "admonishment" when a stronger term like "condemnation" or "denunciation" is more appropriate. "Admonishment" implies a corrective intent, not necessarily severe disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The word "admonishment" functions as a noun, referring to the act of giving gentle or earnest advice or a warning. It typically describes a mild form of reprimand intended to correct or improve behavior. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Admonishment" is a noun that refers to a gentle but firm correction or warning. As indicated by Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and encyclopedias. It's important to choose "admonishment" when you intend to convey a sense of guidance or improvement, and to avoid using it when a stronger term is more appropriate. Related terms include "reprimand", "rebuke", and "warning", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember that while both "admonishment" and "admonition" are correct, they have distinct meanings, with "admonishment" being the act itself and "admonition" being the advice or warning given.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reprimand

Implies a formal or official rebuke, often for a specific offense.

rebuke

Suggests a sharp expression of disapproval or criticism.

reproach

Indicates disappointment or disapproval, sometimes with a moral dimension.

scolding

Often refers to a mild but firm expression of disapproval, particularly directed at children.

chiding

Similar to scolding, but can also imply a playful or affectionate tone.

warning

Conveys a caution against potential danger or negative consequences.

caution

Emphasizes the need for carefulness and prudence.

criticism

A more general expression of disapproval or fault-finding.

correction

Highlights the act of rectifying a mistake or error.

lecture

Implies a lengthy and often didactic expression of disapproval or advice.

FAQs

How to use "admonishment" in a sentence?

You can use "admonishment" to describe an act of gently warning or rebuking someone. For instance, "The child received a gentle "admonishment" for misbehaving".

What can I say instead of "admonishment"?

You can use alternatives like "reprimand", "rebuke", or "warning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "admonishment" or "admonition"?

Both "admonishment" and "admonition" are correct, but "admonishment" refers to the act of admonishing, while "admonition" is the warning or piece of advice itself.

What's the difference between "admonishment" and "criticism"?

"Admonishment" typically implies a corrective intent, aiming to improve behavior, while "criticism" can simply be an expression of disapproval without necessarily seeking to correct.