Admonitory

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ədˈmɑnɪˌtɔɹi/

Definitions

1. Expressing a firm or earnest warning intended to caution or reprove someone about a fault or danger
2. serving to warn or caution someone against a particular action or behavior through stern rebuke
3. functioning as a cautionary message that expresses disapproval and alerts one to potential consequences

Etymology: The Latin "admonitorius" grew out of "admonere," meaning "to remind, warn, or call to mind," a verb built from "ad-" ("to") and "monere" ("to warn, advise"). That same root gave English "monitor," "admonish," and "monument," which all share the sense of bringing something to someone's attention, whether as a warning or as a reminder. The word "admonitory" carries the warning side of that meaning, and it descends from the Latin noun "admonitorium," which referred to an admonition or reminder. Notably, the Latin noun "admonitorium" was itself a reminder in the broad sense, so the word's core idea is a nudge toward memory rather than punishment. In English, however, the sharper edge of the root took over, so that an "admonitory" glance or tone now signals reproof rather than a gentle reminder.

Synonyms: cautionary, warning, advisory

Antonyms: encouraging, approving