admire

[ad-mahyuhr]

verb (used with object)

admired, admiring 

1. to regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval.

   Synonyms: venerate, revere, esteem
   Antonyms: despise

2. to regard with wonder or surprise (usually used ironically or sarcastically).

   I admire your audacity.

verb (used without object)

admired, admiring 

1. to feel or express admiration.

2. Dialect.,  to take pleasure; like or desire.

   I would admire to go.

admire

/ ədˈmaɪə /

verb

1. to regard with esteem, respect, approval, or pleased surprise

2. archaic,  to wonder at

Other Word Forms

• admiring adjective
• admiringly adverb
• admirer noun
• preadmire verb (used with object)
• quasi-admire verb
• unadmired adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of admire¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin admīrārī, equivalent to ad- ad- + mīrārī (in Medieval Latin mīrāre ) “to wonder at, admire”

Word History and Origins

Origin of admire¹

C16: from Latin admīrāri to wonder at, from ad- to, at + mīrāri to wonder, from mīrus wonderful

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. be admiring of, to admire.

   He's admiring of his brother's farm.

Example Sentences

"He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me," the president added, ordering that all flags be flown at half-mast across the country.

From BBC

His know-nothing rabble-rousing appalled progressives who otherwise admired him for his principled stands against the Vietnam War and in favor of campaign finance reform.

From Los Angeles Times

But it always felt a bit like CrossFit: I could admire the people who seemed to thrive on it, but I knew, deep down, it wasn’t my cup of jasmine-green tea.

From Salon

"She is the first to admit if she did something wrong or ask for help. She even asked me for help. I love that want to learn and grow, I admire it."

From BBC

Some of Starmer's allies have long admired Shabana Mahmood, and believe her elevation to home secretary will see bring a more forthright approach to cracking the problems of the immigration system.

From BBC

Related Words

• adore 
• applaud 
• appreciate 
• cherish 
• commend 
• credit 
• extol 
• hail 
• honor 
• idolize 
• laud 
• marvel at www.thesaurus.com
• praise 
• prize 
• respect 
• revere 
• treasure 
• worship