admonitory
UK[ədˈmɒnɪtəri]US[ədˈmɑːnɪtɔːri]
adj
serving to warn or reprimand someone firmly.
adj
expressing warning or disapproval.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
monit
ory
ad
to
monit
warn
ory
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word admonitory is built directly upon the latin verb 'monēre', meaning "to warn, advise, or remind". the prefix 'ad-' intensifies this core meaning, directing the action "toward" someone. the suffix '-ory' transforms the verbal idea into an adjective, describing something that has the nature or function of giving a warning. thus, the literal construction "serving to warn toward someone" evolved seamlessly into the modern sense of expressing warning or reprimand.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to) + monit (warn) + ory (adjective suffix)
- ad: latin prefix meaning "to" or "toward".
- monit: from latin 'monit-', the stem of 'monēre', meaning "to warn, advise, remind".
- ory: latin suffix '-orius', used to form adjectives meaning "pertaining to, serving for".
Examples
the teacher gave him an admonitory glance over the top of her glasses.
his tone was more admonitory than angry.
the letter was admonitory in nature, urging the company to comply with the regulations.