ADMONITORY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does admonitory mean? 

• ADMONITORY (adjective)
  The adjective ADMONITORY has 2 senses:

1. serving to warn

2. expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective

  Familiarity information: ADMONITORY used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ADMONITORY (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Serving to warn

Synonyms:

admonitory; cautionary; exemplary; monitory; warning

Context example:

an exemplary jail sentence

Similar:

dissuasive (deterring from action)

Derivation:

admonish (advise or counsel in terms of someone's behavior)

admonish (warn strongly; put on guard)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Expressing reproof or reproach especially as a corrective

Synonyms:

admonishing; admonitory; reproachful; reproving

Similar:

unfavorable; unfavourable (not encouraging or approving or pleasing)

Derivation:

admonish (take to task)

 Context examples 

“The devil take your tongue, Wat!” shouted a tall young man, seizing the last speaker by the collar and giving him an admonitory shake.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I was greatly elated by these orders; but my heart smote me for my selfishness, when I witnessed their effect on Mr. Dick, who was so low-spirited at the prospect of our separation, and played so ill in consequence, that my aunt, after giving him several admonitory raps on the knuckles with her dice-box, shut up the board, and declined to play with him any more.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Returning suddenly to her admonitory tone, she said, dropping her voice, If you must have a 'vent', Teddy, go and devote yourself to one of the 'pretty, modest girls' whom you do respect, and not waste your time with the silly ones.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)