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]).
- "Don't you think any more," returns Mr. Bucket with admonitory finger, "of throwing yourself out of window.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens - Bella, entering with a raised admonitory finger, kissed Lizzie softly, but said not a word.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - Suddenly the King held up an admonitory finger.
— from Temporal Power: A Study in Supremacy by Marie Corelli - 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 - “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 - "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 - I am getting quite uneasy about you," added Captain De Crespigny, in an admonitory voice.
— from Modern Flirtations: A Novel by Catherine Sinclair - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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