What does monition mean?
Monition is an uncommon formal noun meaning a warning, caution, or admonition. It is especially associated with a reminder to correct conduct, observe a rule, or fulfil a responsibility, rather than with an informal telling-off. The word has a distinctly literary and sometimes judicial tone, which makes it suitable for formal writing about criticism, advice, discipline, or moral instruction. A monition may be stern, but it need not be hostile; it can also be a measured reminder offered with concern or authority. Although dictionaries generally record monition in both British and American English, ordinary speakers are more likely to choose warning, caution, or admonition. The term is consequently useful for readers of formal or historical prose and for anyone seeking a precise vocabulary word for a warning that carries corrective force.
nounA warning or admonition, especially one intended to correct behaviour or remind someone of a duty. The word is formal and relatively uncommon in modern English.
- A warning, caution, or admonition, especially one intended to correct behaviour or remind someone of a duty.
"The editor issued a stern monition to verify every quotation before publication."
"The editor issued a stern monition to verify every quotation before publication."
"Her gentle monition reminded the young apprentice of the importance of careful workmanship."
The plural is used for separate warnings or admonitions.
"Several gentle monitions from her teachers helped the student improve."
Monition shares its ancient root with monitor: both ultimately derive from the Latin idea of warning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does monition come from?
Monition comes through French from Latin monitio, a noun meaning a warning or reminder. Latin monitio was formed from monere, “to warn, advise, or remind,” the same root underlying monitor and monitory and the element appearing in admonish and admonition. In English, monition developed in a formal and often moralizing sense, with its use especially prominent in religious, legal, and literary writing.
Related word forms
How monition is actually used
Monition is formal, literary, and relatively uncommon. It can sound stern or judicial, although its sense can also include a reminder or piece of advice delivered with concern.
Easily confused with monition
A monition is a warning or admonition, whereas a monitor is a person, device, or system that observes or supervises something.