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admonish

verb

/ədˈmɒnɪʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of admonish

To scold or reprimand someone gently but firmly, often in an attempt to correct a mistake or behavior.
"The coach had to admonish the team for not putting in enough effort during practice."

Detailed meaning of admonish

It can also imply a warning or caution. For example, a teacher may admonish a student who is not paying attention in class, or a parent may admonish their child for not cleaning their room. The word can also be used to describe a warning or caution given in a formal or official setting, such as a company's management admonishing an employee for poor performance. It implies a sense of correcting or scolding someone, but done in a gentle and firm manner, often with the intent of helping the person improve their behavior. It can also imply a sense of cautioning or warning someone about a potential problem or mistake.

Example sentences containing admonish

1. The teacher will admonish the students if they are caught talking during the exam.
2. It is the duty of parents to admonish their children when they engage in dangerous or disrespectful behavior.
3. The manager may admonish employees who do not adhere to the company's policies.
4. The judge will admonish the jury to consider all the evidence carefully before making a decision.
5. The security guard had to admonish the crowd to remain calm and orderly during the evacuation.
6. The editor had to admonish the journalist for not properly accrediting sources in the article.

History and etymology of admonish

The verb 'admonish' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'admonēre,' which consists of 'ad,' meaning 'to' or 'towards,' and 'monēre,' meaning 'to advise' or 'to warn.' In its early usage, 'admonish' retained the sense of advising or giving counsel. However, over time, it evolved to include a gentle but firm reprimand or warning, often with the intention of correcting a mistake or behavior. The transformation of meaning from advice to gentle reprimand reflects the idea that admonishing someone involves advising them on their conduct, urging them to correct it for their own benefit or the well-being of others. Thus, the etymology of 'admonish' underscores its historical connection to the act of advising and correcting, particularly in a gentle yet firm manner.

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Further usage examples of admonish

1. The organization will admonish members who fail to meet the ethical standards expected of them.
2. The counselor might admonish the student gently for not following the academic plan set for them.
3. The captain had to admonish the crew to be more vigilant after the near-accident at sea.
4. The principal will admonish the school to uphold their values in the upcoming interschool competition.
5. The priest will admonish the congregation to be more compassionate and giving during the holiday season.
6. She needs to admonish her children about the dangers of playing near the busy road.
7. The teacher plans to admonish students who consistently submit late assignments.
8. He should take the time to admonish his employees, reminding them to follow safety protocols.
9. The officer is authorized to admonish drivers who exceed the posted speed limit.
10. She might gently admonish him to concentrate and participate actively during important meetings.
11. Parents often find it necessary to admonish their kids about the importance of being polite.
12. The supervisor should address the issue promptly and admonish the worker for repeated errors.
13. Doctors commonly admonish their patients to quit smoking for the sake of their health.
14. The captain intends to admonish the team members regarding punctuality and discipline.
15. She may need to admonish her friend for spreading baseless rumors that can harm reputations.
16. The principal is expected to admonish students about the severe consequences of cheating.
17. Sergeants frequently admonish soldiers for any signs of insubordination or lack of discipline.
18. Managers often admonish their staff to meet project deadlines and maintain high-quality work.
19. Judges sometimes have to admonish witnesses to answer questions clearly and directly.
20. Counselors might need to admonish teenagers about the potential risks associated with certain behaviors.
21. Experienced chefs often admonish their apprentices for carelessness in handling ingredients.
22. Lifeguards will quickly admonish swimmers who venture beyond designated safe areas.
23. Coaches routinely admonish athletes for poor sportsmanship, emphasizing fair play and respect.
24. Supervisors may need to admonish workers who engage in inappropriate conduct at the workplace.
25. The instructor is responsible for maintaining a safe learning environment and may admonish participants who disregard safety rules.