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

Beowulf said in admiration, but the thunder of approaching hooves prevented Penelope from correcting him.

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Cassiopeia and Alexander clapped and barked with admiration, but Penelope’s skin went cold.

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Since then, admiration for its score has inspired many iterations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Dutiful Meg paradoxically longs for leisure and fashionable clothes; impetuous Jo yearns for literary fame; shy, music-loving Beth wishes only for everyone to be happy; artistic Amy craves admiration and status.

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"It is obvious that the painting radiates his admiration," he said.

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Related Words

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