Select the word closest in meaning to the given word.
Admonish
(a) Applaud
(b) Pacify
(c) Warn
(d) Appeal

Hint: We need to find the synonym of the word admonish. Read the question and try to understand the meaning of the given word. Now go through the options and recall their meaning. The one closest to the meaning of admonish is the desired answer.

Complete answer: A synonym refers to a word that is nearest in meaning to another word. For example- Flexible is a synonym for indefinite.
‘Admonish’ refers to reprehending or warning someone. The word ‘admonish’ has been derived from the Latin word- Admonere, which means to urge by a warning.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word ‘admonish’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- My mother admonished the neighbourhood children for littering the streets. Here, we can conclude that X’s mother rebuked or warned the neighbourhood children for littering the streets.
Let’s examine the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘Applaud’ refers to praising or admiring someone for their actions. For example- The audience applauded the President’s speech. ‘Applauded’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘Pacify’ refers to conciliating or calming someone. For example- The manager had to pacify the agitated customer. ‘Pacify’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘Warn’ refers to rebuking or reprehending someone firmly. For example- She warned us not to wander in the fields. ‘Warn’ is similar in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is the correct option.
Option d- ‘Appeal’ refers to urging or making a request. For example- The client appealed to present evidence. ‘Appeal’ is different in meaning to the given context. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘c’.

Note: Some other synonyms for ‘admonish’ are; berate, censure, reprimand, etc while some antonyms for ‘admonish’ are; flatter, compliment, praise, etc.