adjective
monitory
MAH-nuh-tor-ee/ˈmɑnəˌtɔri/
Giving a warning or caution.
The guide's monitory gesture warns the traveler away from the unstable edge.
Etymology
The verb monere covers advice as well as warning. Something monitory carries that admonishing force: it does not simply report a danger but cautions its audience about it.
More examples
- The coach raises a monitory finger as the argument grows louder.
- A monitory note on the label warns against mixing cleaners.
- His monitory glance keeps me from mentioning the surprise.
Forms
monitory
Similar words
- cautionary
- Often describes examples or stories that teach what to avoid.
- warning
- More common and direct, often signaling an immediate danger.
- admonitory
- More strongly suggests correction or disapproval of someone's behavior.