admire

[ad-mahyuhr]

verb (used with object)

admired, admiring 

1. to regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   Synonyms: venerate, revere, esteem
   Antonyms: despise

2. to regard with wonder or surprise (usually used ironically or sarcastically).

   I admire your audacity.

verb (used without object)

admired, admiring 

1. to feel or express admiration.

2. Dialect.,  to take pleasure; like or desire.

   I would admire to go.

admire

/ ədˈmaɪə /

verb

1. to regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise

2. archaic,  to wonder at

Other Word Forms

• admirer noun
• preadmire verb (used with object)
• quasi-admire verb
• unadmired adjective
• admiring adjective
• admiringly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of admire¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin admīrārī, equivalent to ad- ad- + mīrārī (in Medieval Latin mīrāre ) “to wonder at, admire”

Word History and Origins

Origin of admire¹

C16: from Latin admīrāri to wonder at, from ad- to, at + mīrāri to wonder, from mīrus wonderful

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be admiring of, to admire.

   He's admiring of his brother's farm.

Example Sentences

Instead, she dedicated herself to her craft, serving it with the talent, discipline and commitment that were always admired by her colleagues.

From BBC

I can sign every petition and read every email from organizations I admire and others I’ve never heard of, each proclaiming calamities scarier than the last one — and then, of course, asking for a donation.

From Salon

On a recent weekday afternoon, Roger and Lindy stood in their frontyard admiring the finishing touches on their only major construction project.

From Los Angeles Times

“But he was spending his time helping other people. I so admired him.”

From Los Angeles Times

Since his initial appointment three years ago, he has developed into a statesman-like leader whose strong qualities are admired by his players, peers and supporters.

From BBC

Related Words

• adore 
• applaud 
• appreciate 
• cherish 
• commend 
• credit 
• extol 
• hail 
• honor 
• idolize 
• laud 
• marvel at www.thesaurus.com
• praise 
• prize 
• respect 
• revere 
• treasure 
• worship