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Literary notes about Admonitory (AI summary)

In literature, “admonitory” is employed to evoke a sense of warning or corrective instruction, whether through a gesture, tone, or written message. The term often accompanies physical cues—a raised finger, a shaking head, or even a subtle glance—as seen when characters signal disapproval or caution using their body language ([1], [2], [3], [4]). It also characterizes the manner in which a message is delivered, whether it carries a gentle, advisory quality in speech ([5], [6], [7]) or appears in the form of a written note that urges restraint or careful behavior ([8], [9], [10]). This versatile word thereby enriches the narrative by merging emotional nuance with moral or corrective intent ([11], [12], [13]).
  1. "Don't you think any more," returns Mr. Bucket with admonitory finger, "of throwing yourself out of window.
    — from Bleak House by Charles Dickens
  2. Bella, entering with a raised admonitory finger, kissed Lizzie softly, but said not a word.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  3. Suddenly the King held up an admonitory finger.
    — from Temporal Power: A Study in Supremacy by Marie Corelli
  4. You take my tip, though,' he added, wagging an admonitory forefinger.
    — from Pincher Martin, O.D.: A Story of the Inner Life of the Royal Navy by H. Taprell (Henry Taprell) Dorling
  5. “True, girl, true; but we feel sorrow for everybody that's in trouble, you know,” returned the other in a quick, admonitory manner and a low tone.
    — from The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper
  6. "Providence permits wonderful things to happen; we have just had evidence of it!" said Harald, with a gentle, admonitory tone.
    — from Strife and Peace by Fredrika Bremer
  7. I am getting quite uneasy about you," added Captain De Crespigny, in an admonitory voice.
    — from Modern Flirtations: A Novel by Catherine Sinclair
  8. Lord Palmerston got wind of the forthcoming speech, and wrote a short admonitory note.
    — from The Life of William Ewart Gladstone, Vol. 2 (of 3) 1859-1880 by John Morley
  9. The Bishop afterwards addressed an admonitory letter to the Rev. gentleman, which was published, and drew from him a very singular reply.
    — from Worcestershire in the Nineteenth CenturyA Complete Digest of Facts Occuring in the County since the Commencement of the year 1800 by T. C. Turberville
  10. The Bishop and Presbyters of one city meddled not with the affairs of another city, except by admonitory letters or messages.
    — from Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John by Isaac Newton
  11. With an admonitory gesture to keep them back, he stooped, and looked in through the crevice in the wall.
    — from A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
  12. Fortunately his elder sister perceives the cause of the agitation in Mrs. Bagnet's breast and with an admonitory poke recalls him.
    — from Bleak House by Charles Dickens
  13. The Countess greeted them with her grave smile, and Archer, feeling his host's admonitory glance on him, rose and surrendered his seat.
    — from The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

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