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

From Los Angeles Times

Fair play to Guehi for the way he conducted himself through that transfer saga - I have a lot of admiration for him.

From BBC

“It’s selfish, dangerous and antisocial. I have no admiration for him at all. He’s not at all admirable. He’s just stupid and greedy.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Inland Empire audience has shown her the most admiration, she explained, as fans repeatedly come to Nobre’s shows to sing along to their favorite Rivera tracks.

From Los Angeles Times

I have nothing but admiration for you and huge respect for your achievement in politics.

From BBC

Related Words

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