Understanding “Admonish”: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Admonish – Definition and Part of Speech
The word admonish is a verb that means to warn or reprimand someone firmly but kindly. It involves expressing disapproval with the intention of correcting behavior, often in a gentle or considerate manner. “Admonish” typically carries a tone of concern rather than harshness.
Core Synonyms
Below are some key synonyms for “admonish,” each accompanied by its definition, an example sentence, and its typical style/register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caution | To advise against potential risks or mistakes | “She cautioned her team about the upcoming deadlines.” | Formal, Business |
| Warn | To alert someone of a danger or problem | “He warned his children not to wander off in the park alone.” | Informal, Everyday |
| Remind | To cause someone to remember something | “I reminded my colleague to submit their report by Friday.” | Casual, Business |
| Reprimand | To express disapproval or criticism firmly | “The manager reprimanded him for his unprofessional behavior during the meeting.” | Formal, Academic/Professional |
| Chide | To scold or rebuke in a mild manner | “She chided her son gently about forgetting to do his chores.” | Informal, Conversational |
Usage Notes
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Caution: Best used when you are advising someone of potential risks without causing alarm. It’s formal and appropriate for business or professional contexts where diplomacy is key.
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Warn: More direct and urgent than “admonish,” often implying immediate action should be taken to avoid danger. Suitable in everyday conversations where straightforwardness is appreciated.
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Remind: Involves bringing something back into someone’s memory rather than pointing out a misbehavior or mistake, making it appropriate for collaborative environments like workplaces.
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Reprimand: Stronger and more direct than “admonish,” often used when an action warrants formal criticism. It’s suitable in professional settings where there are established guidelines or rules.
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Chide: Typically softer and less severe, implying a mild rebuke with the intent of encouraging better behavior. Ideal for personal interactions or family environments.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing “admonish” with more aggressive synonyms like “berate,” which implies harsher criticism and lacks the gentle connotation often inherent in an admonishment.
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Misapplying “reprimand” when a softer approach would be more suitable, such as using it for minor infractions where a simple reminder might suffice.
Final Recap
In summary, while admonish primarily means to warn or reprimand with the intent of correction, its synonyms offer varying degrees of formality and intensity. “Caution” is formal and diplomatic; “warn” is direct and urgent; “remind” serves as a gentle nudge without criticism; “reprimand” provides firm disapproval in professional contexts; and “chide” offers a mild rebuke suitable for personal interactions.
To truly master these terms, try incorporating them into your writing or conversations. Experiment with different contexts to see which synonym best fits the tone and message you intend to convey. This practice will help expand both your vocabulary and your communicative effectiveness.