ad-

to, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

Forms

ad-
ac- — Used before c in Latin.
af- — Used before f in Latin.
ag- — Used before g in Latin.
al- — Used before l in Latin.
ap- — Used before p in Latin.
ar- — Used before r in Latin.
as- — Used before s in Latin.
at- — Used before t in Latin.

Origin

Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *ad, ‘to; near.’

Note

Later Latin-based spellings sometimes restored consonants that had disappeared in French.

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verb

admonish

ad-MAH-nish/ədˈmɑːnɪʃ/

To speak firmly to someone about proper conduct.

The coach admonishes the athlete against stepping onto damaged equipment.

A coach firmly warns an adult athlete against stepping onto damaged equipment, open caution hand and serious expression, no aggression.

Etymology

adLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis

+monishLatinremind, warn, or advise

Monere meant ‘remind, warn, advise,’ with ad- probably adding a sense of repeated action. The underlying idea of bringing something to mind connects a reminder with a firm warning or corrective counsel.

In context

US National Archives46:39

my advisor would admonish me to you know not not crystal ball too much

For the People, For the Country: Patrick Henry’s Final Political Battle

More examples

Her manager admonished her for interrupting the presentation.
She admonishes the children to stay clear of the road.
You can admonish someone without raising your voice.

Forms

admonish · admonishes · admonished · admonishing

admonition noun — A firm warning intended to guide behavior.

Similar words

reprimand: Emphasizes formal disapproval rather than advice about future conduct.
warn: Emphasizes danger or consequences rather than correcting behavior.