admire

/ədˈmaɪər/

Say it: ad-MY-er

1. verb To regard someone or something with respect, approval, and often a sense of wonder.
I've always admired her for her courage and integrity.
2. verb To look at something with pleasure, satisfaction, and appreciation.
We spent a few minutes admiring the intricate details of the painting.

📖 Seen in the wild

I greatly admire her dedication to her work and her unwavering integrity.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ admire in a sentence

The whole team admires the way he handles difficult negotiations.
You have to admire his persistence, even if you don't agree with his methods.
From his humble post, he could only admire the princess from afar.
Thousands of tourists gather here each evening to admire the sunset.
She secretly admired his confidence but would never admit it.
In his speech, the CEO said he deeply admired the employees' dedication during the crisis.
I really admire your ability to stay calm under pressure.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

respect esteem look up to appreciate revere applaud praise venerate

respect · focuses on valuing someone for their abilities or character, often without the warmth of 'admire'.

esteem · a more formal term suggesting high regard, often based on moral worth or achievement.

look up to · an informal phrase that implies admiring someone as a role model, especially someone older or more experienced.

appreciate · emphasizes recognizing the value or worth of someone or something, sometimes with gratitude.

Opposites: despise, scorn, disdain, loathe, condemn

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'admire' comes from the Latin 'admirari', which means 'to wonder at'. It was formed from 'ad-', meaning 'at' or 'toward', and 'mirari', meaning 'to wonder'. Originally, it conveyed a sense of surprise or astonishment, but over time its meaning softened to the modern sense of wondering at something with approval and respect.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

greatly admiresecretly admireadmire from afaradmire the viewcan't help but admireadmire someone's work

'Admire' is a powerful word that blends respect with pleasure or wonder. It is stronger and more personal than 'like' or 'appreciate'. You can admire someone's skill without agreeing with their views, a distinction that is sometimes lost. For example, one might admire the cleverness of a thief, even while condemning the theft itself.

Word family: admiration, admirer, admirable, admirably, admiring, admiringly

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to admire someone?

It means you hold them in high regard because of their qualities, achievements, or character. It combines respect with a sense of approval and even wonder.

What is the difference between admire and respect?

Respect is about valuing someone's abilities or position, while admire adds a layer of warmth, pleasure, and often a desire to emulate them. You can respect an opponent without admiring them.

Is 'admire' a strong word?

Yes, it is a strong, positive word that indicates more than simple approval or liking. It suggests a deep and genuine appreciation for a person or thing.

Can you admire an object?

Absolutely. You can admire a piece of art, a building, or a natural scene like a mountain range. In this context, it means to look at it with pleasure and appreciation for its beauty or skill.

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