admonition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "admonition" is correct and can be used in written English.
"Admonition" is a noun that means advice or counsel that is given with urgency or seriousness. For example: "His parents gave him an admonition to behave himself in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This spurred an admonition from Justice Samuel Alito: "[Y]ou are making a very, very aggressive argument in favour of executive power" that "has nothing whatsoever to do with whether the Senate is in session or not".

The Economist

Given the manipulation by those in power, this is understandable.Theodore Roosevelt's admonition about the United States around a century ago applies with full force in Ukraine: "Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government, owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.

The Economist

The only conceivable reason for Mr Khamenei's failure to countenance their arrest was his fear of turning adversaries into martyrs.In the first week of January came an admonition.

The Economist

Among the targets of the pope's admonition, it seems, were certain bishops in Germany, who had a penchant for top-of-the-range BMWs or Mercedes.Richard Chartres, the Anglican bishop of London, once described large, gas-guzzling cars, as well as unnecessary flying, as a "symptom of sin".

The Economist

That admonition was among 13 rules that managers felt necessary to post on the walls of a shambolic fridge factory in Qingdao in the early 1980s.

The Economist

But in the situation of needing to impress a mysterious admissions committee, the admonition to "genuinely illustrate who you are" is not exactly easy to follow.

The Economist

"KNOW thyself" was the admonition over the entrance to the oracle at Delphi.

The Economist

That admonition did not stop Germany, France and Italy declaring this week that they too wanted to be founding members.

The Economist

"What really concerns me", he went on, "is that there seems to be so little willingness or capacity to do much about it".Coming from one of the giants of American economic policy-making, the man who vanquished the high inflation of the late 1970s and helped navigate the global economy through the 1980s debt crises, that is a pointed admonition.

The Economist

Maybe that was why it took 11 days of sequestered deliberations and a judicial admonition to try harder.

The Economist

And despite von Neuman's admonition, there are algorithms whose output is close enough to random to make little practical difference to security (at least, so far as anyone knows).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admonition" when you want to convey a gentle yet serious warning or piece of advice, often to correct a fault or oversight.

Common error

Avoid using "admonition" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "warning" or "advice" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "admonition" is that of a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to the act of gently warning or advising someone. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "admonition" is a noun that refers to a gentle or friendly reproof, counseling against fault or oversight, or a warning. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and encyclopedias as noted by Ludwig. While it carries a slightly formal tone, it effectively conveys a serious yet mild correction or piece of advice. Remember to consider the context and audience when using "admonition", as simpler terms may be more suitable in informal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, "admonition" is a valid and useful word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

warning

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences if the advice is not followed, more direct than a simple suggestion.

reproof

Implies a more direct and explicit expression of disapproval or criticism.

reprimand

Suggests a formal or official rebuke, often from someone in authority.

scolding

Conveys a sense of angry or irritated disapproval, often directed at someone younger.

rebuke

A sharp expression of disapproval or criticism, can be more formal than "admonition".

gentle reminder

Softens the tone, making it less forceful than a direct warning or criticism.

word of caution

Highlights the potential risks or dangers involved, urging careful consideration.

piece of advice

Focuses on providing guidance or recommendations, often based on experience.

counsel

Implies a more considered and thoughtful form of advice, often given by an expert.

exhortation

Suggests an enthusiastic encouragement or urging to take a particular course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "admonition" in a sentence?

You can use "admonition" to describe a gentle warning or piece of advice. For example, "The teacher's "admonition" helped the student improve his behavior."

What's a simpler word for "admonition"?

Alternatives to "admonition" include "warning", "advice", or "reminder", depending on the specific context.

Is "admonition" a formal word?

Yes, "admonition" is generally considered a more formal term. In casual settings, using "advice" or "warning" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "admonition" and "reprimand"?

"Admonition" is a gentle warning or piece of advice, while "reprimand" implies a more formal and severe expression of disapproval.