admonish

/ədˈmɒnɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ədˈmɑːnɪʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ad-ˈmä-nish/ (ame, mw)

admonish — verb

  • admonishpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • admonisheshe / she / it
  • admonishedpast simple
  • admonishing-ing form

1. to speak to someone seriously because they behaved badly, showing clear disappro

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to speak to someone seriously because they behaved badly, showing clear disapproval and expecting better behaviour

例句

Hao's coach admonished him for laughing during the minute of silence.

admonish + object + for + behaviour

The judge admonished the lawyer for interrupting the witness again in court.

formal correction by an authority figure

同義詞
  • scold

    More everyday and emotional; often used in family situations

  • rebuke

    Sharper and more severe; often sounds public or forceful

  • reprimand

    More official; common in workplace, school, or legal settings

反義詞
  • praise

    To express approval instead of criticism

文法句型

admonish + object + for + action

admonish + object + about + behaviour

用法筆記

Usually followed by a person as the direct object, often with 'for' or 'about' naming the bad action. Unlike sense 2, this sense looks back at behaviour that has already happened and openly shows disapproval.

常見錯誤

❌The judge admonished that the lawyer was late.
✅The judge admonished the lawyer for arriving late.
💡'admonish' normally names the person directly and then gives the fault.
❌She admonished about her son.
✅She admonished her son about his rude language.
💡put the person being corrected right after 'admonish'.

2. to urge someone in a serious, often kindly way to do what you think is right

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to urge someone in a serious, often kindly way to do what you think is right

例句

Tariro admonished her brother to lock the back door before bed.

admonish + object + to-infinitive

The doctor admonished Rafael to rest for a week after the fall.

formal advice from a professional

同義詞
  • urge

    More common and less formal; focuses on strong encouragement

  • counsel

    More thoughtful and measured; often suggests careful guidance

  • exhort

    More elevated and forceful; common in speeches or public appeals

反義詞
  • dissuade

    To persuade someone not to do something

文法句型

admonish + object + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Most often followed by a to-infinitive that names the advised action, as in 'admonish someone to be careful'. Unlike sense 1, it focuses on earnest guidance about what someone should do next, not on scolding them for a completed fault.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor admonished me resting at home.
✅The doctor admonished me to rest at home.
💡this sense normally uses object + to-infinitive for the advised action.