Reprimand vs. Admonish — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Reprimand involves formal censure often in an official or professional context, while admonish is typically a gentler, advisory warning meant to guide rather than punish.
Difference Between Reprimand and Admonish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A reprimand is often a formal disciplinary action taken in response to wrongdoing, typically involving a recorded statement of disapproval in a professional setting. On the other hand, admonishment usually serves as a mild warning or piece of advice, focusing more on correction and less on formal punishment.
Reprimands are typically delivered in a more serious and sometimes public manner, aiming to address and rectify severe infractions. Whereas, admonishments are usually private and less severe, intended to guide someone back on the right path without severe implications.
The intention behind a reprimand is often to penalize and document an issue as part of someone’s record, which could impact their professional trajectory. Conversely, admonishing someone generally aims at helping them avoid future mistakes and does not involve keeping a formal record.
While reprimands are more common in structured environments like workplaces or schools, admonishments can occur in informal settings such as between friends or family members, emphasizing a personal and less authoritative approach.
Reprimands can influence a person’s career or academic record due to their formal nature, impacting evaluations or promotions. Admonishments, however, primarily affect personal and interpersonal dynamics, fostering understanding and improvement without tangible penalties.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Formal and official
Informal and advisory
Intention
To penalize and record an infraction
To guide and prevent future errors
Setting
Typically in professional or educational environments
Can occur in both formal and informal settings
Impact on Record
Often recorded in personal or professional files
Usually not recorded
Delivery
Generally more stern and public
Often private and conveyed in a gentler tone
Compare with Definitions
Reprimand
A statement that often influences professional assessments.
His reprimand affected his chances for promotion.
Admonish
Can be informal and personal.
In a motherly tone, she admonished her son for his reckless behavior.
Reprimand
A recorded warning in a professional context.
Her reprimand was added to her employment file.
Admonish
To warn or reprimand someone gently but seriously.
She admonished her friend to be more careful.
Reprimand
A formal expression of disapproval.
The manager issued a reprimand to the employee for repeated tardiness.
Admonish
Focuses on correction rather than punishment.
He was admonished for his early errors but encouraged to keep improving.
Reprimand
Typically involves a specific incident or behavior.
A reprimand was issued after the audit revealed discrepancies.
Admonish
Often involves guidance without punitive action.
The mentor admonished the student to focus more on her studies.
Reprimand
An official censure by someone in authority.
The soldier received a reprimand for failing to follow orders.
Admonish
To advise against something; to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement.
He admonished his colleagues to consider the consequences.
Reprimand
A reprimand is a severe, formal or official reproof. Reprimanding takes in different forms in different legal systems.
Admonish
To counsel (another) against something to be avoided or warn (that something is dangerous)
"[Another competitor in the race] admonished him on the dangers of going out too fast" (Neal Bascomb). "Magazine articles ... admonished that women's financial independence was driving a wedge between husband and wife" (Lillian Faderman).
Reprimand
To reprove (someone) severely, especially in a formal or official way.
Admonish
To urge or exhort (someone to do something)
"Writers like Emerson and Thoreau ... admonished us to develop ourselves according to nature" (E.D. Hirsch).
Reprimand
A severe, formal, or official rebuke or censure.
Admonish
To remind (someone) of something forgotten or disregarded, as an obligation or a responsibility.
Reprimand
A severe, formal or official reproof; reprehension, rebuke, private or public.
Admonish
To reprove gently but earnestly
"Lincoln pursued his interests in defiance of established norms. Far from being praised, he was consistently admonished" (Joshua Wolf Shenk).
Reprimand
To reprove in a formal or official way.
Admonish
(transitive) To inform or notify of a fault; to rebuke gently or kindly, but seriously; to tell off.
Reprimand
Severe or formal reproof; reprehension, private or public.
Goldsmith gave his landlady a sharp reprimand for her treatment of him.
Admonish
To advise against wrongdoing; to caution; to warn against danger or an offense.
Reprimand
To reprove severely; to reprehend; to chide for a fault; to consure formally.
Germanicus was severely reprimanded by Tiberius for traveling into Egypt without his permission.
Admonish
(transitive) To instruct or direct.
Reprimand
To reprove publicly and officially, in execution of a sentence; as, the court ordered him to be reprimanded.
Admonish
To warn or notify of a fault; to reprove gently or kindly, but seriously; to exhort.
Reprimand
An act or expression of criticism and censure;
He had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face
Admonish
To counsel against wrong practices; to cation or advise; to warn against danger or an offense; - followed by of, against, or a subordinate clause.
Admonishing one another in psalms and hymns.
I warned thee, I admonished thee, foretoldThe danger, and the lurking enemy.
Reprimand
Rebuke formally
Admonish
To instruct or direct; to inform; to notify.
Moses was admonished of God, when he was about to make the tabernacle.
Reprimand
Censure severely or angrily;
The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup
Admonish
Admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior;
I warned him not to go too far
I warn you against false assumptions
She warned him to be quiet
Admonish
Warn strongly; put on guard
Admonish
Take to task;
He admonished the child for his bad behavior
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of a reprimand?
To formally address and penalize misconduct within an official or professional setting.
How does admonish differ in tone from reprimand?
Admonish is generally gentler and advisory, focusing on correction, unlike the often stern tone of a reprimand.
Who can issue a reprimand?
A reprimand is usually issued by someone in a position of authority, such as a supervisor, manager, or academic administrator.
Is admonishment considered disciplinary action?
No, admonishment is generally considered a form of guidance or advice rather than a disciplinary action.
Can someone be admonished for good intentions with poor outcomes?
Yes, admonishing often addresses the approach or decision-making process, even if the intentions were good but led to undesirable outcomes.
What typically prompts a reprimand?
A reprimand is typically prompted by violations of rules, policies, or standards within a professional or educational setting.
Can admonishments be part of an official record?
Typically, no. Admonishments are usually verbal and meant to guide rather than form part of an official record.
What is the impact of a reprimand on one's professional life?
It can negatively influence career progression, assessments, or disciplinary records.
In what settings are reprimands most likely to occur?
In structured environments such as workplaces or educational institutions.
How do colleagues typically react to someone being admonished vs. reprimanded?
Colleagues might view an admonishment as supportive or constructive, while a reprimand might be seen as more severe and punitive.
Is a reprimand always given in writing?
Typically, yes. Reprimands in professional settings are usually documented in writing to maintain an official record.
Does admonishing require a specific setting?
No, admonishing does not require a specific setting and can occur in both casual and formal environments.
Can admonish lead to a change in behavior?
Yes, the goal of admonishing someone is often to encourage a change in behavior without resorting to formal disciplinary measures.
What skills are important for effectively delivering an admonishment?
Effective communication, empathy, and understanding are crucial for delivering admonishments that are perceived as helpful rather than punitive.
Are there cultural variations in how reprimands and admonishments are perceived?
Yes, cultural attitudes towards authority and correction can influence how reprimands and admonishments are perceived and delivered.
Is feedback during performance reviews considered a form of admonishment?
Feedback during performance reviews can be considered a form of admonishment if it is aimed at guiding and improving future performance without formal consequences.
Can a reprimand be appealed or disputed?
Yes, in many professional contexts, there are processes in place to appeal or dispute a reprimand.
Can admonishing someone repeatedly have a negative impact?
Yes, if not done carefully, repeated admonishments without positive reinforcement can demoralize an individual and may not achieve the intended behavioral change.
What legal implications can a reprimand have?
Depending on the context, a reprimand can have legal implications, particularly in employment, affecting things like termination or litigation.
How do organizations train managers to reprimand effectively?
Organizations often provide training on legal considerations, proper documentation, and the emotional aspects of delivering reprimands.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
