Admonitory - English Definition & Meaning

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Definition

An admonitory tone is like a gentle but firm warning. It's not yelling, but a way of advising or cautioning someone about their actions or potential mistakes. Think of it as a coach giving you tips before a big game. ⚽ It's meant to help you avoid problems. It often suggests a sense of responsibility or potential consequences if the advice isn't heeded. It's like a parent gently reminding you to do your homework before playing video games.

Etymology

The word 'admonitory' comes from the Latin 'admonere,' meaning 'to advise, urge, warn.' 'Ad-' means 'to,' and 'monere' means 'to warn.' This root is also found in words like 'monitor,' which makes sense because a monitor often warns or alerts us to something. The suffix '-tory' indicates a quality or function related to the root verb. So, 'admonitory' describes something that has the quality of warning or advising.

Related Words

Examples

  • "Her mother gave her an admonitory look when she started talking back."
  • "The teacher's admonitory tone suggested that the assignment was more important than it seemed."
  • "The sign on the bridge had an admonitory message about the dangers of speeding."
  • "He gave an admonitory speech before the debate, reminding everyone to stay respectful."

Anecdote / Story

In 'The Hunger Games,' Haymitch often uses an admonitory tone with Katniss and Peeta. He's trying to warn them about the dangers of the arena and the Games' political landscape. His advice is crucial for their survival, even if they don't always listen. It's a constant reminder that actions have serious consequences.

Encouragement

Don't shy away from using 'admonitory' when you need to convey a gentle warning! It adds a layer of sophistication to your communication. Keep it in your vocabulary toolkit! 🧰

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