admiration
Americannoun
-
a feeling of wonder, pleasure, or approval.
- Antonyms:
- condemnation
-
the act of looking on or contemplating with pleasure.
admiration of fine paintings.
-
an object of wonder, pleasure, or approval.
The dancer was the admiration of everyone.
-
Archaic. wonder; astonishment.
noun
-
pleasurable contemplation or surprise
-
a person or thing that is admired
she was the admiration of the court
-
archaic wonder
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of admiration
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English admiracion, from Latin admīrātiōn-, stem of admīrātiō; equivalent to admire + -ation
Explanation
Admiration is the feeling of liking and appreciating, like your admiration of your older sister. You ask her for advice and hope to be just like her when you are older. The root of the word admiration is admire, which means "to regard with wonder or approval." People can receive admiration for many reasons, including their beauty, hard work, or intelligence. Often, there is a sense of gratitude or thanks when someone feels admiration. For example, your admiration for a favorite teacher includes an awareness of how much he or she helped you.
Vocabulary lists containing admiration
What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Hunger Games" Vocabulary from Chapter 21
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"I am a great admirer of America's, but right now my admiration is not increasing," he said, to laughter from the audience.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
Powell’s calm but forceful defense of Fed independence likely staved off larger attacks on the institution and won him admiration and awards, like the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage award.
From MarketWatch • May 10, 2026
During this period, her international stature grew amid widespread sympathy for her predicament and admiration for her advocacy for non-violent protest.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, both celebrated for their work on FX’s “The Bear,” have more going for them than their admiration for the film.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026
It irritated him to hear his own mentor talk about the Shetani with any kind of respect or admiration.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
