Admonishes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To gently criticize or express disapproval while also providing caution about an undesirable action or behavior
2. To convey warning or disapproval in a mild tone while seeking to correct or guide someone’s actions
3. To give a mild rebuke or warning to encourage better behavior

Etymology: "Admonishes" is the third-person singular form of "admonish," so the verb itself is the story. Its root is Latin "admoneō," meaning "to remind" or "to warn," built from "ad-" ("to") and "moneō" ("to warn, advise"). That same "moneō" gave English "monitor" and "monition," so "admonish" is a close relative of words for keeping someone mindful of something. The English form took shape in Middle English as "a(d)monisshen," which most likely came through a lost Old French form, "amonir," before the "-ish" ending was attached. Medieval English also had the verb "amonesten," and the French "admonester" ran alongside it, so the word shifted through several spellings before settling into its present shape.

Synonyms: warns, cautions, reprimands, rebukes, scolds

Antonyms: praises, approves, lauds, compliments, endorses