admonish
Definitions
To warn or reprove someone firmly but not harshly.
（严肃但不严厉地）告诫，责备。
To urge or advise earnestly to do something.
恳切地劝告（去做某事）。
Root Breakdown
Native Englishad- (to, toward) + mon (warn) = Latin admonēre 'to put someone in mind of,' i.e. to warn them toward correct behavior. The -ish ending came through Old French verb-forming -iss-, not the English 'somewhat' suffix. So admonish is literally 'to direct a warning at someone' — a gentle scolding that points them the right way.
Root mon still carries 41 more wordsWhy It Means This
Admonish sits between 'warn' and 'scold.' Unlike a harsh reprimand, it carries a tone of caring guidance — the original Latin idea was 'to put in mind,' to remind someone of the right course. That is why it can mean both rebuke (admonish for a fault) and earnest advice (admonish to be careful).
Usage Guide
Formal. Two patterns: admonish someone for (something done wrong) — the rebuke sense; and admonish someone to (do something) — the advice sense. More literary than 'tell off' or 'warn.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
The teacher admonished the boys for talking during the exam.
- 2.
She admonished us to drive carefully in the snow.
- 3.
The judge gently admonished the witness to answer only what was asked.
Easily Confused
admonish vs reprimand — both mean to scold, but reprimand is sharper and more official (a formal reprimand on record), while admonish is milder and often advisory, with an undertone of 'I'm telling you for your own good.'
Synonym Comparison
- admonish — gently warn or reprove, with a caring/advisory tone
- reprimand — formal, official, sharper rebuke
- scold — informal, angry telling-off, often of a child
- rebuke — sharp, blunt criticism
- caution — warn about a risk, no blame implied