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admonitory

admonitory

1 8.3
Giving a warning to show disapproval
  • adjective
  • /ædˈmɒnɪtəri/
translation icon : amonestador
  • Moulsworth's poem shares with the Wife of Bath's Prologue a cast of scholarly and admonitory clerks who teach her Latin and caution her about marriage.
  • an admonitory finger

Examples

  • Although it could be read as an admonitory tale about the recklessness of youth, the myth goes back to the conjunction of love and death.

  • The teacher gave an admonitory lecture to the students about the importance of studying for their exams.

  • There is the stern comment piece, in which public affairs are examined from an admonitory, feminist point of view.

    Blog text (28)
  • Here, they combine deictic and admonitory roles.

    Academic text (2006)
  • As an admonitory paper for the king, it is somewhat strange to the modern eye that it contains very little in the way of political wisdom or state policy.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Besides admonitory historical examples, there are realistic reasons that Toegye considers, though we cannot say that he ever gives himself over to the manipulative politics of power.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Somewhat disturbingly, the judge held that Sony's Privacy Policy included "clear admonitory language that Sony's security was not 'perfect,'" therefore "no reasonable consumer could have been deceived."

    Blog text (30)
  • Usually, a fable or parable is taken more lightly than admonitory prose, which often unfolds with expository logic rather than a narrative sequence.

    Academic text (2016)
  • It is also a pole of the vertical axis in the center of the painting, whose other pole, linked by the admonitory ape and owl couple, is the equally powerful Christological symbol of the mill.

    Academic text (2006)
  • She received an admonitory note from her manager reminding her to follow the company's dress code.

Synonyms

cautionary
vsadmonitory
34 5.6

Giving a clear warning to avoid harm

is broader, also covering verbal reprimand and moral caution
reproachful
vsadmonitory
2 6.5

Showing disapproval in voice or look

is less about blaming and more about warning or advising
exemplary
vsadmonitory
  • Formal
2 6.7

A punishment meant to warn others not to do the same

focuses more on direct warning or reproach rather than deterrence
monitorial
vsadmonitory
  • Archaic
7.9

Someone gives a warning or advice to help others avoid mistakes

is broader, simply expressing warning, reprimand, or caution
admonishing
vsadmonitory
6.5

Showing mild criticism to help someone behave better

is wider, covering both warnings and gentle reprimands as well
reproving
vsadmonitory
7.4

Showing that someone is not happy and trying to correct them

includes that corrective tone but also general caution or warning
monitory
vsadmonitory
9.6

Giving a warning to tell someone to be careful

adds a stronger sense of reprimand or criticism beyond mere notice
warning
vsadmonitory
1.0

Giving a sign or message that tells people about danger

is not only a signal but also can be a spoken reprimand

Antonyms

78 3.1

Makes someone feel less worried and calmer

How Reproachful

severe
68 4.2
stern
42 4.3
reproachful
2 6.5
admonitory
1 8.3
cautionary
34 5.6

Surface Forms

admonitory positive

Morphology

admonitory = admonish (transparent) = admonish + ory

The adjective is a predictable derivation from the verb 'admonish' with the adjectival suffix '-ory'; learners who know 'admonish' can infer the meaning.

Etymology

The word admonitory comes from the Latin parts ad- 'to' and monere 'to warn', the same root you see in admonish and monitor. So an admonitory look or tone is one that warns someone or tells them to be careful.