What does admonitory mean?
Admonitory is a formal adjective used to describe anything that carries a warning or expresses mild disapproval — a tone of voice, a glance, a gesture, or a written notice. Someone who speaks in an admonitory way is cautioning another person, often gently and with good intentions, against a mistake or danger. The word derives from the Latin admonere, 'to warn' or 'remind', which also gives us admonish, admonition, and monitor. Because of its formal register, admonitory appears most often in literature, journalism, and official writing rather than casual conversation; a friend might simply say you were 'warning' them, while a novelist would more likely describe an admonitory wag of the finger. It is a precise and evocative word for those moments when disapproval is expressed quietly rather than shouted, making it valuable for writers seeking nuance in describing human interaction.
adjectiveGiving or conveying a warning or gentle reproof; intended to caution someone against a fault or danger.
- Conveying a warning or caution, especially about potential danger or consequences.
- Expressing mild disapproval or reproof, often gently or formally.
"She shot him an admonitory glance before he could say anything more."
"The teacher's admonitory tone made it clear that further interruptions would not be tolerated."
"He raised an admonitory finger as if to say the matter was not open for discussion."
Admonitory shares its Latin root with 'monitor' — so every time you check a screen, you're using a cousin of the word for a wagging finger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of admonitory
Admonitory comes from the Latin verb admonere, meaning 'to warn' or 'to remind', formed from ad- ('toward') and monere ('to warn, advise'). It entered English in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century, likely via the Late Latin admonitorius. The same root monere produced a family of English words including admonish, admonition, monitor, premonition, and monument, all carrying some sense of reminding or calling attention to something.
Related word forms
How admonitory is actually used
Admonitory is a formal, literary word, more common in written than spoken English. It typically describes tones, glances, letters, or gestures rather than people themselves. Its connotation is usually one of firm but well-meaning correction rather than harsh criticism.
Easily confused with admonitory
Admonishment is the noun meaning the act of scolding or warning, while admonitory is the adjective describing something that conveys such a warning.
Peremptory means insisting on immediate obedience in an imperious way, whereas admonitory merely conveys a warning or mild reproof.