admiration

[ad-muh-rey-shuhn]

noun

1. a feeling of wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   Synonyms: affection, regard, esteem, approval
   Antonyms: condemnation

2. the act of looking on or contemplating with pleasure.

   admiration of fine paintings.

3. an object of wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   The dancer was the admiration of everyone.

4. Archaic.,  wonder; astonishment.

admiration

/ ˌædməˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. pleasurable contemplation or surprise

2. a person or thing that is admired

   she was the admiration of the court

3. archaic,  wonder

Other Word Forms

• admirative adjective
• admiratively adverb
• self-admiration noun
• superadmiration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of admiration¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English admiracion, from Latin admīrātiōn-, stem of admīrātiō; equivalent to admire + -ation

Idioms and Phrases

see mutual admiration society.

Example Sentences

The task is not to deny grief or admiration but to preserve space for nuance and accountability.

From Salon

After six decades of admiration - and later, infamy - India's most iconic warplane is finally taking its last flight on Friday.

From BBC

"It's about flipping from sympathy to admiration and respect."

From BBC

He won admiration from across the political divide in Northern Ireland for his work to boost the peace process, chairing the Stormont peace talks during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

From BBC

The admiration for Kirk’s political organizing skills and mental acuity cut across political lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adoration 
• affection 
• applause 
• appreciation 
• delight 
• esteem 
• fondness 
• love 
• pleasure 
• praise 
• recognition 
• reverence 
• wonder 
• wonderment