- Today's Word
Admonish
ad-MAH-nish
Definition
(verb) To warn or reprimand someone firmly, often with the intention of correction.
Example
The teacher admonished the student for speaking out of turn, but her tone remained calm and constructive.
Fun Fact
In literature and film, characters who admonish others often serve as the story’s moral compass—think of Gandalf’s warnings in The Lord of the Rings or Atticus Finch’s guidance in To Kill a Mockingbird. These moments aren’t just disciplinary—they’re pivotal points of growth.
(verb) To assign someone or something to a lower position, status, or role—often as a form of dismissal or reduction in importance.
After the scandal, the senator was relegated to a minor committee post.
Late Middle English: from Latin relegare, meaning “to send away,” from re- ‘again’ + legare ‘to send’.