What is admonish? Pronunciation and usage in English

admonish means . Learn how to pronounce and use admonish through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of admonish

admonishverb

/ədˈmɒnɪʃ//ədˈmɑːnɪʃ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "admonish." It's a tricky one! Here’s a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to approach it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • /ədˈmɑːnɪʃ/

Let’s break that down:

  • əˈ (schwa): This is a very short, unstressed vowel sound. It’s like the "a" in "about" or "so." It’s the first part of the word.
  • dˈ (stress): This is a strong, emphasized syllable. It’s pronounced with a clear “d” sound.
  • mɑːn (high ‘a’): This syllable is where it gets tricky. It’s a long “a” sound, like in the word “father” or “game.” Think of it as a slightly broader “ah” sound than we use in everyday speech.
  • ɪʃ (short ‘i’ and ‘sh’): This is a short “i” sound (as in “bit”) followed immediately by a “sh” sound (as in “ship”).

2. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  1. Start with a short "uh" sound: Like "a" in "about."
  2. Add a "d": Say "d."
  3. Introduce the long "a" sound: Say "mah-n" (emphasizing the "ah").
  4. Finish with "ish": Say "ish" (like the "sh" in "ship").

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • The "a" sound: Many people pronounce the middle syllable with a shorter, less open "a" sound (like in "man"). That's the key to getting it right. It needs to be a longer, higher-pitched “ah.”

  • Don’t rush: “Admonish” is a deliberate word, so give each syllable its due.

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it said correctly. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence using the word “admonish” so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word admonish in English

Let's break down how to use the word "admonish." It's a rather formal and slightly old-fashioned word, but it's still perfectly usable in the right context.

1. Definition:

"Admonish" means to warn or advise someone firmly, often about a fault or wrongdoing. It’s more than just a simple warning; it carries a sense of seriousness and a desire to correct behavior. It's like a gentle but firm scolding.

2. Key Characteristics:

  • Formal: It’s not a word you'd typically use in casual conversation.
  • Serious: It implies a concern for the person's behavior and its consequences.
  • Suggestive of Correction: The aim is to encourage the person to change.
  • Implies Good Intent: It’s typically done with a desire to help, not to punish.

3. How to Use It – Examples:

Here are some examples demonstrating different ways to use "admonish":

  • “The teacher admonished the students for talking during the test.” (Here, it’s a formal warning about disruptive behavior.)
  • “My mother would often admonish me for staying out late.” (A recurring warning about a particular habit.)
  • “He admonished her for wasting food.” (A serious concern about a wasteful action.)
  • “The elder advised the young man, admonishing him to be patient.” (A more advisory use, suggesting a virtuous behavior.)
  • “The captain admonished the crew for neglecting their duties.” (In a professional setting, a pointed warning about responsibility.)

4. Synonyms:

Here are some words that have a similar meaning and might be more commonly used today:

  • Warn
  • Scold
  • Rebuke
  • Counsel
  • Advise
  • Caution
  • Reprimand

5. Phrases You Might See It In:

  • “He was admonished to be more careful.”
  • “She was gently admonished to consider the consequences of her actions.”
  • “The committee admonished him for his lack of transparency.”

6. Important Note: Tone & Context

The tone in which you use "admonish" is crucial. It can sound harsh if not delivered with a degree of understanding and concern.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how it differs from a similar word (like “scold”)?
  • Help you craft a sentence using "admonish"?

Synonyms for the word admonish

Practice with vocabulary admonish

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team leader had to _______ the junior analyst for repeatedly submitting reports past the deadline.
  2. During the debate, the moderator paused to _______ a speaker who was constantly interrupting others.
  3. The career counselor proceeded to _______ the graduating students on the importance of networking and professional growth.
  4. Before concluding, the speaker took a moment to _______ a complex point he had made earlier in his presentation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. When the project manager discovered the error, she had to _______ the team member responsible for oversight. a) commend b) admonish c) praise d) criticize e) laud

  2. The professor felt it necessary to _______ the student for submitting plagiarized content, emphasizing the seriousness of academic dishonesty. a) encourage b) praise c) admonish d) approve e) tolerate

  3. The senior consultant gently _______ the junior staff member for consistently interrupting clients during presentations. a) encouraged b) admonished c) praised d) cautioned e) rebuked

  4. In the annual review, the manager will _______ the employee on areas for professional development and improvement. a) reprimand b) commend c) advise d) warn e) scold

  5. Before beginning the complex task, the lead engineer needed to _______ the team on the precise sequence of operations. a) complain b) admonish c) instruct d) question e) reprimand

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "admonish": The supervisor gave a firm warning to the employee about the frequent errors in their work.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "admonish": Parents often need to gently correct their children when they misbehave, guiding them towards better conduct.

  3. Rewrite the sentence, using a suitable replacement word for "admonish": The safety manual stated that all personnel must be informed about emergency exit procedures before entering the facility.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team leader had to admonish the junior analyst for repeatedly submitting reports past the deadline.
  2. During the debate, the moderator paused to admonish a speaker who was constantly interrupting others.
  3. The career counselor proceeded to advise the graduating students on the importance of networking and professional growth.
  4. Before concluding, the speaker took a moment to clarify a complex point he had made earlier in his presentation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) admonish, d) criticize
  2. c) admonish
  3. b) admonished, d) cautioned, e) rebuked
  4. c) advise
  5. c) instruct

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The supervisor had to admonish the employee for the frequent errors in their work.
  2. Parents often need to give their children an admonition when they misbehave, guiding them towards better conduct.
  3. The safety manual instructed all personnel about emergency exit procedures before entering the facility.

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