admonitions

Admonitions are warnings or counsels intended to correct behavior or discourage inappropriate conduct. The term can refer to a formal notice from a person in authority or to informal exhortations offering guidance or moral instruction. The word derives from Latin admonitionem, from ad- “toward” and monere “to warn or advise.” The verb form is admonish.

In everyday language, an admonition is a gentle or stern reminder to change one’s ways, often given to prevent harm or improve conduct. It appears in educational, professional, familial, and religious contexts as concise, directive guidance rather than a full reprimand.

Religious and ethical traditions frequently deploy admonitions to promote virtue, self-discipline, and obedience to norms. Biblical, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Confucian texts alike include admonitions aimed at cultivating character, humility, and responsibility.

Legal and formal uses describe warnings issued by authorities. In court or administrative settings, an admonition may warn a defendant, witness, or participant about consequences of particular actions, the rights involved, or required compliance. Admonitions can accompany conditions of probation, safety instructions, or procedural reminders designed to prevent further violations.

In art and culture, admonition-themed works have appeared as moral or instructional messages. A well-known example is the Chinese painting titled Admonitions of the Instructress to the Ladies of the Palace, attributed to Gu Kaizhi and dating from late antiquity; it uses narrative scenes to convey ethical guidance and propriety.

Overall, admonitions function as concise, purposive communications intended to steer behavior, emphasize duty, or avert harm across many domains.