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adoration

American  
[ad-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌæd əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship.

  2. reverent homage.

  3. fervent and devoted love.


adoration British  
/ ˌædəˈreɪʃən /

noun

  1. deep love or esteem

  2. the act of worshipping

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of adoration

1535–45; < Latin adōrātiōn- (stem of adōrātiō ) worship. See adore, -ation

Explanation

Adoration is a feeling of deep love. Some people may say animals don't have emotions, but you know from the adoration in your dog's eyes that it's just not true. The noun adoration comes from the Latin word adorationem, which means "worship," particularly in a religious way. Adoration is still used today in a religious context, in phrases like "the adoration of God." If you adore or deeply love someone, you can describe that feeling as adoration. It's the kind of feeling Romeo had for Juliet, devoted fans have for a pop star, and you have for your beloved cat.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing adoration

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

His Napoli years - the Serie A title in 2024-25 and the adoration that came with it - have turned him into a player who is worshipped in Naples and identified throughout the world.

From BBC Jun. 10, 2026

And Lady Gaga, Mother Monster though she is, has spent her short but promising acting career channeling grandma, which I mean with the utmost respect and adoration.

From Salon May 10, 2026

The wave of adoration has accelerated alongside García Harfuch’s high-profile campaign against organized crime.

From The Wall Street Journal Apr. 12, 2026

It opens with Ankhmerwer standing in adoration before a gilded Osiris.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 30, 2026

Harry touched her and caressed her and let his eyes fill with tears of adoration.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

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